How the car donation process works
You schedule a free Alaska vehicle pickup
Start by sharing basic details about your car, truck, SUV, van, motorcycle, boat, or RV with Alaska Wheels Forward. Free towing is available in many Alaska communities, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Wasilla, Palmer, Eagle River, Kenai, Soldotna, and surrounding areas. Because Alaska has unique weather, ferry, and remote-road logistics, a pickup coordinator confirms the best available towing option for your location. You do not need to repair, wash, or advertise the vehicle first. Once pickup is scheduled, the vehicle is removed at no cost to you.
The vehicle is assessed after pickup
After the tow, the donated vehicle is reviewed for condition, mileage, title status, market demand, repair potential, and resale value. This assessment is what determines the next step. Alaska Wheels Forward does not promise that every vehicle will be repaired or placed with a family, because the charity benefit comes from creating the strongest practical sale proceeds. A running sedan from Midtown Anchorage may be handled differently than a high-mileage truck from the Mat-Su or a non-running SUV from the Kenai Peninsula. The purpose is always to responsibly convert the vehicle into revenue for Heritage for the Blind.
Running vehicles usually go to auction
If your donated car runs and is in resalable condition, it will typically be sent to a public or dealer auction. Auctions help put the vehicle in front of buyers who may be looking for used transportation, repairable inventory, or a specific Alaska-ready model. The vehicle is sold as part of the donation process, and the gross sale proceeds are directed to Heritage for the Blind (EIN 58-2164446). This is the most common path for vehicles that can attract competitive buyer interest without major repairs.
Non-running vehicles may be sold for salvage or parts
If the vehicle does not run, has very high mileage, has severe mechanical issues, or would cost too much to repair, it is typically sold to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. That can include older cars with engine failure, rust concerns, collision damage, missing components, or long-term storage problems. This does not mean the donation is wasted. Even vehicles that cannot safely return to the road may still produce value through parts, scrap, or salvage resale. Those sale proceeds become revenue for Heritage for the Blind.
Sale proceeds fund Heritage for the Blind services
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446. When your donated vehicle sells, the gross sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind as charitable revenue to support services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Donors also receive tax documentation. If your vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C, and your tax deduction is generally equal to the gross sale price shown on that form. For personal tax advice, speak with a qualified tax professional.
Key facts about car donation
Your vehicle is assessed after pickup, not guessed at during the donation call.
Running vehicles in resalable condition typically go to public or dealer auction.
Non-running or high-mileage vehicles typically go to licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3), EIN 58-2164446.
Vehicles selling for over $500 receive IRS Form 1098-C for the gross sale price.
Pickup is free, with Alaska availability confirmed by location, access, and scheduling.