How the car donation process works
Schedule your free Mobile Metro vehicle pickup
Start by telling Cruise Forward about your car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, or other accepted vehicle. You do not need to know its resale value, and you do not need to make repairs first. We help arrange free towing at a convenient time, whether the vehicle is at your home, workplace, repair shop, storage lot, or another accessible location in the Mobile Metro area. Pickup availability commonly includes Mobile neighborhoods and nearby communities such as Theodore, Semmes, Chickasaw, Saraland, Daphne, and Spanish Fort.
Your donated vehicle is assessed after pickup
After the vehicle is picked up, it is evaluated for condition, mileage, age, title status, market demand, and whether it runs safely. This assessment helps determine the best resale path. A clean, running vehicle may have stronger value at auction, while a non-running, damaged, or very high-mileage vehicle may be more appropriate for salvage or parts resale. The goal is simple: choose the channel that can responsibly convert your donated vehicle into the strongest possible charitable proceeds for Heritage for the Blind.
Running vehicles typically go to auction
If your donated vehicle runs and is in resalable condition, it will typically be sent to a public or dealer auction. Auctions allow buyers to compete for the vehicle based on its actual condition and market value. Your car is not automatically given away, and Heritage for the Blind does not treat the vehicle itself as the donation revenue. The sale proceeds are what become charitable revenue for Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, helping fund programs and services that support blind and visually impaired people.
Non-running vehicles may be sold for salvage or parts
If the vehicle does not run, has major damage, has very high mileage, or would cost more to repair than it is likely worth, it is usually sold to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. That does not mean the donation has no value. Many vehicles still have usable parts, recyclable materials, or salvage value. This option helps turn older cars from Mobile driveways, garages, or lots into proceeds for Heritage for the Blind without requiring you to pay for towing, advertising, repairs, or disposal.
Proceeds support services for blind and visually impaired people
Once the vehicle is sold, the gross sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Those proceeds help fund the charity’s work serving people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage also helps connect eligible people with benefit information and assistance resources, including SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and related support. Donors or families who want to check potential benefit eligibility can visit nhftb.org/finder for more information.
You receive tax documentation after the sale
After the donated vehicle is sold, documentation is provided for your records. If the vehicle sells for more than $500, your tax deduction is generally equal to the gross sale price, and Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C as required. You can use that form when preparing your taxes, subject to IRS rules and your personal tax situation. Cruise Forward keeps the donation process straightforward, from free tow through sale documentation, so you can donate with confidence.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available for qualifying vehicle donations throughout Mobile Metro and nearby Alabama Gulf Coast communities.
Running, resalable vehicles typically go to public or dealer auction after pickup and assessment.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles are usually sold to licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3), EIN 58-2164446.
For vehicles sold over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.
You do not need to repair, clean, advertise, or negotiate the sale of your donated vehicle.