How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute form or a quick call
Begin by filling out Cruise Forward’s short online donation form or calling Heritage for the Blind. You will share basic details such as your name, Mobile Metro pickup address, vehicle year, make, model, general condition, and whether you have the title and keys. The form usually takes about two minutes, and there is no cost or obligation at this stage. If your vehicle is not running, has been sitting, or is parked at a repair shop, apartment complex, driveway, storage lot, or workplace, include that information so the pickup can be planned correctly.
A coordinator calls back within 1–2 business hours
After your information is submitted, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1–2 business hours to confirm the details and schedule your free pickup. This is the time to ask any practical questions, including where the vehicle is located, whether the tow truck can access it, what paperwork you should have ready, and who will be present at pickup. Mobile-area donors often schedule around work, school pickup, or apartment gate access, and the coordinator will help choose a convenient window whenever available.
Free towing is scheduled at your Mobile Metro location
In most metro areas, a licensed tow truck can arrive the same day or next business day, depending on availability and your schedule. The pickup is free whether the vehicle runs or not. The driver comes to your chosen location, such as your home in West Mobile, a driveway in Saraland, a shop near Government Street, or a parking area across the bay. At pickup, you sign the title over according to the instructions provided. Remove personal items and license plates if required, and keep copies of your records.
Your vehicle is moved to auction or a parts reseller
Once the tow is complete, the donated vehicle is transported to a licensed auction, recycler, or parts reseller. The destination depends on the vehicle’s age, condition, mileage, demand, and repair potential. You do not need to negotiate with buyers, list the car online, answer messages, pay for repairs, or meet strangers. Cruise Forward and Heritage for the Blind handle the next steps after pickup, giving you a clean break from a vehicle you no longer need.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle is sold, the net proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, to help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Your unwanted car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, RV, or boat can become support for a nonprofit mission instead of continuing to take up space in your driveway or garage. Donors throughout Mobile Metro choose this route because it is simple, no-cost, and connected to a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
The full donation process typically takes about 2–6 weeks from initial contact through sale and receipt mailing. After the vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails the appropriate tax documentation. If the vehicle sells for more than $500, you receive IRS Form 1098-C. If it sells for $500 or under, you receive a written acknowledgment. Keep this documentation with your tax records and speak with a tax professional if you have questions about claiming a charitable deduction.
Key facts about car donation
There is no cost to donate, schedule pickup, tow the vehicle, or receive your mailed tax receipt.
Most Mobile Metro pickups can be scheduled same-day or next business day when towing availability allows.
You sign the title at pickup, and the coordinator explains what to prepare before the tow truck arrives.
Vehicles over $500 receive IRS Form 1098-C; vehicles $500 or under receive a written acknowledgment.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446.