How the car donation process works
You Start With a Simple Colorado Donation Request
Your donation begins when you contact Ride to Relief and share basic details about your vehicle, including its year, make, model, mileage, condition, and location in Colorado. Whether the car is in Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Pueblo, Lakewood, Boulder, Arvada, or a smaller mountain or plains community, we help coordinate the next step. You do not need to decide whether the vehicle should be auctioned, repaired, or used for parts. The goal at this stage is simple: make donating easy, answer your questions, and set up free towing when your vehicle is ready.
Free Pickup Is Scheduled at a Convenient Location
After your donation is accepted, a towing partner schedules free pickup at a time that works for you. Many donors arrange pickup from a home, apartment parking area, workplace, repair shop, storage lot, or family property. The vehicle does not have to be running, and you can donate many common vehicle types, including cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and some specialty vehicles. Pickup availability extends across Colorado communities, from metro neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Cherry Creek, Highlands Ranch, and Old Colorado City to suburban and regional areas where towing can be arranged.
The Vehicle Is Assessed After Pickup
Once the vehicle is picked up, it is evaluated to determine the best resale path. This assessment considers condition, mileage, age, drivability, market demand, visible damage, and whether repair costs would make sense. Ride to Relief does not promise that every car will be restored or placed with a family, because the responsible choice depends on the vehicle’s real-world value. The purpose of the assessment is to help Heritage for the Blind receive the strongest practical return from the donation while keeping the process efficient, compliant, and focused on funding services for blind and visually impaired people.
Running Vehicles Typically Go to Auction
If your donated vehicle runs and is in resalable condition, it typically goes to a public or dealer auction. Auctions allow qualified buyers to compete for vehicles based on current market demand, which can help turn your donation into meaningful proceeds for Heritage for the Blind. Some vehicles may need cleaning, basic preparation, or documentation before sale, but the usual goal is not to spend heavily on repairs. Instead, the vehicle is positioned for sale in the channel most likely to generate revenue that supports Heritage for the Blind’s mission.
Non-Running or High-Mileage Vehicles May Be Sold for Parts
If your vehicle does not run, has major mechanical issues, has collision damage, or has very high mileage, it is typically sold to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. That does not mean the donation has failed. Even vehicles that are no longer practical to drive can produce value through parts, scrap, or salvage resale. This is often the most responsible route for older Colorado vehicles that have faced mountain driving, winter roads, hail damage, or long commutes. The proceeds still go to Heritage for the Blind and help support its charitable work.
Proceeds Support Heritage for the Blind Services
After the vehicle is sold, the gross sale proceeds are directed to Heritage for the Blind, a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446. Those proceeds are revenue for Heritage for the Blind and help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. If your vehicle sells for more than $500, you will receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price, which is generally the amount used for your tax deduction. You should keep that form with your records and consult a tax professional for guidance about your specific situation.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available for qualifying Colorado vehicle donations through Ride to Relief.
Running vehicles in resalable condition typically go to public or dealer auction.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles typically go to licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, 501(c)(3), EIN 58-2164446.
Vehicles selling for over $500 receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.
Donors can visit nhftb.org/finder to check potential benefit eligibility and support resources.