How the car donation process works
You request a free pickup in the Fort Myers Area
Start by sharing basic vehicle details with Sunshine Shift, including the year, make, model, mileage, title status, and whether the car starts. Free towing is available throughout the Fort Myers Area, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Estero, Bonita Springs, and nearby Lee County communities. You do not need to repair, wash, or advertise the vehicle. Once your donation is scheduled, a licensed towing partner coordinates a convenient pickup time and collects the car from your driveway, workplace, apartment complex, storage lot, or mechanic shop.
The vehicle is assessed after pickup
After pickup, the donated vehicle is reviewed to determine the most practical sale path. This assessment looks at condition, drivability, age, mileage, market demand, and whether repair costs would make resale worthwhile. Sunshine Shift does not promise that a specific car will go to a family in need or be repaired, because the responsible choice depends on the vehicle. The goal is to convert your donation into the strongest reasonable proceeds for Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, while keeping the process efficient, compliant, and transparent for the donor.
Running vehicles typically go to auction
If your donated car runs and is in resalable condition, it typically goes to a public or dealer auction. This allows buyers to compete for the vehicle based on real market demand. Cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and motorcycles from Fort Myers donors may be sold this way when auction is expected to produce the best return. Heritage for the Blind receives the gross sale proceeds as charitable revenue, which helps fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. You are not responsible for finding a buyer or negotiating a sale.
Non-running vehicles are usually sold for salvage or parts
If the vehicle does not run, has major mechanical issues, is damaged, or has very high mileage, it typically goes to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. That does not mean your donation has no value. Many vehicles still generate proceeds through usable parts, recyclable materials, or wholesale salvage value. This option is often the best fit for cars that would cost too much to repair or retail. Your old vehicle still supports Heritage for the Blind’s mission, even if it never returns to the road.
Proceeds support Heritage for the Blind services
The sale proceeds from your donated vehicle go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. These proceeds are revenue for the charity and help fund services for blind and visually impaired Americans. Heritage also connects people with benefit resources, and donors who want to check eligibility for programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, or Section 8 can visit nhftb.org/finder. Your Fort Myers Area donation becomes a practical way to turn an unused vehicle into support for people navigating vision loss.
You receive the tax paperwork after the sale
After the vehicle is sold, your tax documentation is prepared based on the gross sale price. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C, which generally states the gross proceeds from the sale. In that situation, your tax deduction is equal to the gross sale price, subject to IRS rules and your individual tax circumstances. You should keep the receipt and Form 1098-C with your records and speak with a tax professional if you have questions about claiming your deduction.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available for Fort Myers Area donors, including nearby Cape Coral, Estero, and Lehigh Acres.
Running vehicles in resalable condition typically go to public or dealer auction after assessment.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles usually go 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.
Your donation may help even if the car needs repairs, has expired tags, or no longer starts.