How the car donation process works
You start with a quick donation request
Begin by telling Lone Star Wheels about the vehicle you want to donate in Greater Houston. We will ask for basic details such as the year, make, model, approximate mileage, whether it runs, and where it can be picked up. You do not need to know the vehicle’s value or decide what should happen to it. Our job is to route it responsibly after pickup so it can generate proceeds for Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446.
Your vehicle is picked up with free towing
Once your donation is scheduled, free tow pickup is available throughout the Greater Houston area. That includes central Houston neighborhoods, apartment communities, office lots, repair shops, and suburbs such as Cypress, Spring, Missouri City, League City, and Humble. You choose a pickup window that works for you, and the towing provider handles the vehicle removal. If the car is not running, has been sitting, or needs to be accessed carefully, let us know in advance so pickup can be coordinated smoothly.
The vehicle is assessed after pickup
After pickup, the vehicle is reviewed for condition and sale potential. This assessment looks at whether it starts and drives, its mileage, visible damage, title status, age, local resale demand, and whether repairs would make financial sense. Donated vehicles are not automatically given to a family or automatically scrapped. The goal is to choose the practical sale route that can produce the strongest responsible proceeds for Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving blind and visually impaired people.
Running vehicles usually go to auction
If your car, truck, van, or SUV is running and in resalable condition, it will typically be sent to a public or dealer auction. At auction, buyers compete based on the vehicle’s condition and market demand. This route is often the best fit for vehicles that still have useful life, even if they need cosmetic work or minor repairs. The vehicle is sold, and the gross sale proceeds become revenue for Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446.
Non-running vehicles are often sold for salvage or parts
If the vehicle does not run, has severe mechanical problems, collision damage, flood concerns, missing components, or very high mileage, it will typically be sold to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. That does not mean your donation has no value. Buyers may purchase the vehicle for reusable parts, metal value, or repair potential. This route helps turn an unwanted or inoperable Houston-area vehicle into proceeds that support Heritage for the Blind’s work with people who are blind or visually impaired.
Proceeds support Heritage for the Blind and you receive tax paperwork
After the sale, proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a real 501(c)(3) nonprofit with EIN 58-2164446. Those sale proceeds are revenue that helps fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. If your vehicle sells for more than $500, your tax deduction is generally equal to the gross sale price, and you will receive IRS Form 1098-C. Keep that form with your tax records and consult a tax professional if you have questions about your specific deduction.
Key facts about car donation
Free tow pickup is available for eligible vehicle donations throughout Houston and the surrounding Greater Houston region.
Running vehicles in resalable condition typically go to public or dealer auction after pickup and assessment.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles typically sell through licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446.
For vehicles selling over $500, donors generally receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.
Heritage for the Blind also offers benefit-finder resources at nhftb.org/finder for eligible individuals.