How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute donation form or a call
Begin by filling out the quick online donation form for Lancaster Motor Gifts or by calling Heritage for the Blind directly. You will share basic details such as your name, contact information, vehicle year, make, model, location, and whether you have the title. It is designed to be simple, not a long application. Donors across Lancaster County can start from home, work, a repair shop, or another accessible pickup location. There is no obligation and no cost to ask questions before you commit.
A coordinator calls back within 1-2 business hours
After your form is submitted, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1-2 business hours. The coordinator confirms your vehicle information, answers practical questions, and helps schedule the free pickup. If you are in Lancaster city, Millersville, East Petersburg, Leola, Strasburg, Landisville, or another Lancaster County community, they will work with local availability and your schedule. You can ask about title signing, keys, access to the vehicle, and where the tow truck should arrive.
Free pickup is scheduled at your Lancaster County location
In most metro areas, a licensed tow truck can arrive the same day or the next business day, depending on schedule and vehicle access. Pickup is free whether the car runs or not. The truck can usually come to a driveway, curbside space, apartment lot, office, mechanic, or storage location as long as it is safe and accessible. At pickup, you sign the title over according to Pennsylvania requirements. Have the keys ready if available, remove personal items, and take off your license plate if applicable.
Your vehicle is transported for sale or parts processing
Once the tow is complete, your donated vehicle is transported to an auction, wholesaler, or parts reseller depending on its condition, mileage, demand, and repair value. A running sedan in Lititz may take a different path than a non-running truck in Columbia, but the goal is the same: create value from the vehicle to support the nonprofit mission. You do not need to attend the auction, negotiate with buyers, arrange repairs, or handle resale paperwork after pickup.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle is sold, the net proceeds are directed to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage for the Blind uses donated vehicle proceeds to help fund services and support for people who are blind or visually impaired. Lancaster Motor Gifts gives local donors a convenient way to turn an unwanted car, truck, van, SUV, or other eligible vehicle into charitable support without trying to sell it privately or pay for towing.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells and the final sale information is available. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C. For vehicles that sell for $500 or under, you receive a written acknowledgment. The entire donation process, from first contact through receipt mailing, typically takes about 2-6 weeks. Keep your receipt with your tax records and consult a tax professional if you have questions about claiming a charitable deduction.
Key facts about car donation
There is no towing charge, processing fee, or pickup cost to the Lancaster County donor.
A coordinator usually calls within 1-2 business hours after your donation form is submitted.
Same-day or next-business-day pickup is available in most metro areas when scheduling allows.
You sign the title at pickup, and the licensed tow provider removes the vehicle.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446.
Tax documentation is mailed after sale: Form 1098-C over $500, written acknowledgment at $500 or under.