How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute donation form or a quick call
Begin by completing the short online donation form through Bluegrass Wheels or by calling Heritage for the Blind. You’ll be asked for basic contact information, the vehicle’s year, make, model, mileage if known, general condition, and where it is located in the Lexington Metro area. You do not need to know the vehicle’s exact value, and it does not have to be running in many cases. This first step is simply to confirm the details needed to begin your free pickup request and connect you with a donation coordinator.
A coordinator calls within 1–2 business hours
After your form or call is received, a donation coordinator typically follows up within 1–2 business hours. They will review your vehicle information, answer questions, and help schedule a free tow. Pickup can often be arranged around your availability, whether the vehicle is at your home, workplace, apartment lot, repair shop, or another accessible location. Donors in Lexington, Fayette County, and nearby communities like Nicholasville, Georgetown, Winchester, Richmond, and Versailles can usually expect convenient metro-area scheduling.
Free pickup is scheduled, often same-day or next business day
In most metro areas, a licensed tow truck can arrive the same day or the next business day, depending on driver availability and your schedule. There is no towing fee, service charge, or hidden cost to donate. At pickup, you will sign the title over according to Kentucky title requirements. Please have the title ready, remove personal items, and take off your license plate if applicable. The driver will confirm the vehicle and load it from the agreed location, such as a driveway, curbside spot, parking lot, or mechanic’s shop.
Your vehicle goes to auction or a parts reseller
Once picked up, the vehicle is transported to an auction or parts reseller. The best route depends on the vehicle’s condition, age, market demand, and whether it is more valuable as a running vehicle, repairable vehicle, or parts unit. You do not need to manage the sale or negotiate with buyers. Heritage for the Blind’s vehicle donation process handles this part for you so the donation can be converted into proceeds that support the nonprofit’s mission.
Proceeds support Heritage for the Blind’s mission
After the vehicle is sold, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage for the Blind helps people who are blind or visually impaired and also connects individuals with benefit resources. Donors or community members who want to check eligibility for programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and related assistance can visit nhftb.org/finder. Your Lexington Metro vehicle donation helps fund services while giving you a simple way to move an unwanted vehicle.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
The full donation process typically takes about 2–6 weeks from initial contact to final tax documentation, depending on pickup timing, sale timing, and mail delivery. After the vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails your tax receipt. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, you will receive IRS Form 1098-C. For vehicles that sell for $500 or less, you will receive a written acknowledgment. Keep this documentation with your tax records and consult a tax advisor for guidance on your specific deduction.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is included for Lexington Metro donors, with no cost at pickup or afterward.
Most metro pickups can be scheduled same-day or next business day when availability allows.
You sign the vehicle title over at pickup, so have it ready before the tow arrives.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446.
Tax receipts are mailed after sale: Form 1098-C over $500, written acknowledgment at $500 or under.
The complete donation process usually takes 2–6 weeks from form submission to mailed receipt.