How the car donation process works
Start with a 2-minute form or a quick call
Begin by filling out the secure 2-minute Alaska Wheels Forward donation form or calling Heritage for the Blind directly. You will be asked for basic contact information, the vehicle location, and a few details about the car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, RV, or boat you want to donate. You do not need to know the vehicle’s exact value, and the vehicle does not have to be perfect. Running and non-running vehicles may be accepted. This first step simply gives the donation team enough information to confirm pickup options and start your no-cost donation.
A coordinator calls within 1-2 business hours
After your form is submitted, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1-2 business hours during normal business times. The coordinator confirms your vehicle details, answers your questions, and helps schedule a free pickup time that works for you. In Alaska, timing can depend on your location, road access, weather, and tow availability, especially outside major service areas. Donors in metro areas such as Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Eagle River, Wasilla, and Palmer often have faster scheduling options. There is no towing fee, no processing fee, and no cost to you at any step.
Free pickup happens at your chosen location
A licensed tow truck is dispatched to the address you provide, which may be your home, workplace, apartment complex, repair shop, storage lot, or another accessible location. Same-day or next-business-day pickup is available in many metro areas, while remote Alaska communities may require additional coordination. At pickup, you sign the vehicle title over as instructed so the donation can be processed properly. If you have the keys, title, registration, and any lien-release paperwork ready, the appointment usually moves quickly. You do not pay the driver for towing.
Your vehicle goes to auction or a parts reseller
Once the tow is complete, the vehicle is transported to an auction, recycler, or parts reseller based on its condition, location, and likely resale route. A running SUV in Anchorage may follow a different path than a non-running truck in Soldotna or an older vehicle in Fairbanks, but the purpose is the same: turn the donated vehicle into charitable proceeds. You do not have to handle advertising, repairs, buyer calls, haggling, or DMV sale logistics. The donation program manages the next steps after pickup so you can move on with confidence.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle is sold, the net proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage for the Blind works to support people who are blind or visually impaired, and vehicle donations help fund its charitable mission. Donors who want to learn about benefit screening resources can also visit nhftb.org/finder, where Heritage connects people with information on programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and related assistance options. Your old vehicle can become meaningful support instead of sitting unused.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
The full donation timeline is typically 2-6 weeks from pickup to tax documentation, depending on transport, sale timing, and processing. After the vehicle sells, your tax receipt is mailed to the address you provided. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C. For vehicles that sell for $500 or less, you receive a written acknowledgment. Keep this paperwork with your tax records and speak with a qualified tax advisor about your individual deduction. Alaska Wheels Forward cannot provide tax advice, but the receipt process is handled for you.
Key facts about car donation
Donation starts with a 2-minute online form or a direct call to Heritage for the Blind.
A coordinator usually calls back within 1-2 business hours to schedule your free tow.
Same-day or next-business-day pickup is available in most Alaska metro areas, subject to local conditions.
You sign the vehicle title over at pickup; have keys and title ready if available.
There is no cost to donate, including towing, pickup coordination, and processing.
Tax documentation is mailed after sale: Form 1098-C over $500, written acknowledgment at $500 or under.