How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute donation form or call Heritage
Begin by completing Sunshine Shift’s quick online vehicle donation form, which usually takes about two minutes. You can also call Heritage for the Blind directly if you prefer to talk through the donation before submitting anything. You will provide basic details such as your contact information, the vehicle’s location in the Fort Myers Area, the year, make, model, mileage if known, and whether the vehicle runs. You do not need to know its value, and you do not need to arrange towing yourself. This first step simply gives the donation team what they need to help you move forward.
A coordinator calls back to schedule your free pickup
After your form is received, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1–2 business hours to confirm the details and schedule a free pickup time that works for you. This call is also your chance to ask questions about your title, keys, vehicle condition, or pickup location. Donors in Fort Myers neighborhoods and nearby communities such as Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, North Fort Myers, Estero, and Bonita Springs can usually choose a convenient pickup window. There is no cost to you for scheduling, towing, or processing the donation at any point.
A licensed tow truck picks up the vehicle
In most metro areas, including much of the Fort Myers Area, a licensed tow truck can often arrive the same day or the next business day after scheduling, depending on availability and access. Pickup can usually happen from a home, apartment complex, workplace, repair shop, storage lot, or driveway. When the driver arrives, you will remove personal belongings, hand over the keys if available, and sign the title over at pickup. The coordinator will explain what to have ready so the appointment feels simple and organized.
Your vehicle is transported for sale or recycling
After pickup, your donated car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, or other accepted vehicle is transported to an auction facility or, when appropriate, to a parts reseller. The best route depends on the vehicle’s condition, market demand, age, and whether it runs. You do not have to repair, wash, advertise, or negotiate the sale. Vehicles that are not practical for resale may still have value through parts or materials. This step is handled for you so your donation can move efficiently toward generating proceeds for the charity.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
Once the vehicle sells, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage for the Blind funds services for people who are blind or visually impaired, and also helps connect people with benefit resources when eligible. If you or someone you know wants to check potential eligibility for programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, or related assistance, you can visit nhftb.org/finder. Your car donation is a practical way to turn an unused vehicle into support for a mission-driven nonprofit.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
After the vehicle is sold, your tax documentation is mailed to you. 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. The full donation process, from the initial form or call to the mailed receipt, typically takes about 2–6 weeks, depending on pickup timing, sale timing, and mail delivery. Sunshine Shift cannot provide tax advice, so donors should speak with a qualified tax professional about claiming any deduction.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is included throughout the Fort Myers Area, with no pickup or processing cost to donors.
A coordinator typically calls within 1–2 business hours after your form is submitted.
Same-day or next-business-day pickup is available in most metro areas when scheduling allows.
You sign the title over at pickup, and the coordinator explains what to prepare.
IRS Form 1098-C is mailed for vehicles selling over $500 after the sale is complete.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446.