How the car donation process works
Start your San Jose donation with Bay Wheels
Begin by telling Bay Wheels about the vehicle you would like to donate in San Jose or a nearby Bay Area community. Donors commonly give from Downtown San Jose, Willow Glen, Almaden Valley, Evergreen, Berryessa, Cambrian, Santa Clara, Campbell, Milpitas, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, and Los Gatos. The vehicle does not need to be perfect to begin the process. Once basic details are confirmed, Bay Wheels helps move the donation forward on behalf of Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446.
Schedule free towing at a convenient local location
After your donation is submitted, free towing is arranged at a time and place that works for you. Pickup may be scheduled from a home driveway, apartment lot, workplace, repair shop, or another accessible location in the San Jose area. This is designed to be simple for mission-motivated donors who want the vehicle gone without extra expense. You will receive guidance on what to have ready, including the title or ownership documents required for California vehicle donation.
Your vehicle is sold to generate charitable proceeds
Once the vehicle is picked up, it is processed and sold. The sale creates the charitable proceeds that support Heritage for the Blind. Donors often ask whether their car directly becomes a service, a piece of equipment, or a program. In practice, the vehicle is converted into funding, and that funding helps Heritage for the Blind continue services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Bay Wheels makes the process straightforward so your unused vehicle can become real mission support.
100-percent of vehicle proceeds go to Heritage
The key mission point is simple: 100-percent of vehicle proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind. Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, uses those proceeds to support services for blind and visually impaired Americans. That includes helping individuals understand and connect with government benefit programs that may improve daily stability. Your San Jose car donation can help fund the staff, outreach, and assistance needed to guide people through options that may otherwise feel confusing or overwhelming.
Proceeds help connect people with vital benefits
Heritage for the Blind services include connecting eligible individuals with government assistance programs such as SSI, SSDI, LIHEAP, Section 8, Medicare Extra Help, and Medicaid. These programs can be difficult to navigate, especially for someone facing vision loss, disability-related barriers, or limited access to clear information. Donors and community members who want to check possible eligibility for assistance programs can visit nhftb.org/finder. Your donation helps support the kind of guidance that turns a complicated benefit search into a clearer next step.
Receive tax documentation after the vehicle sells
Because Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446, vehicle donations may be tax deductible for donors who itemize deductions. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, your deduction is generally based on the gross vehicle sale price, and IRS Form 1098-C is issued for your tax records. Tax situations vary, so donors should consult a qualified tax professional. Bay Wheels helps provide the donation documentation you need after the vehicle sale is complete.
Key facts about car donation
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446.
Free towing is available for eligible vehicle donations throughout San Jose and nearby Bay Area communities.
100-percent of vehicle proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind to support mission services.
Proceeds help connect blind and visually impaired people with SSI, SSDI, LIHEAP, Section 8, Medicare Extra Help, and Medicaid.
For vehicles sold over $500, donors generally receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.
Donors and families can check assistance-program eligibility at nhftb.org/finder.