How the car donation process works
You start the donation and schedule free pickup
Coal Valley Charity Cars makes the first step simple for donors in Wilkes-Barre and throughout the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre area. You provide basic vehicle details, such as year, make, model, mileage, condition, whether it runs, and where it is located. Free towing is arranged from many local settings, including homes near Downtown Wilkes-Barre, garages in Parsons, apartment lots in Kingston, driveways in Plains, or businesses near the Wyoming Valley Mall area. You do not have to make repairs, clean the vehicle perfectly, or drive it anywhere. The goal is to remove the vehicle conveniently and begin turning it into support for Heritage for the Blind.
After pickup, the vehicle is assessed for best resale path
Once your donated car, truck, van, or SUV is picked up, it is reviewed for condition and marketability. This assessment considers whether the vehicle starts, moves safely, has major mechanical problems, has body damage, has very high mileage, or still has resale appeal. Donors often ask whether the charity chooses in advance what will happen to a vehicle. In most cases, the final path is determined after pickup because the vehicle has to be evaluated in person. The purpose of the assessment is practical and mission-focused: find the route that can reasonably produce proceeds for Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446.
Running vehicles usually go to public or dealer auction
If your vehicle runs and is in resalable condition, it will typically be sent to a public or dealer auction. This is common for cars that still have buyer demand, even if they are older, used, or no longer right for your family. Auction buyers may include dealers, wholesalers, mechanics, or members of the public depending on the sale venue. Coal Valley Charity Cars does not need your donated vehicle to be perfect. A Wilkes-Barre commuter car, a family minivan from Hanover Township, or a pickup from Mountain Top may still generate charitable proceeds if it can be sold through the right auction channel.
Non-running or high-mileage vehicles may be sold for parts or salvage
Not every donated vehicle belongs at auction. If a car will not start, has serious mechanical issues, has extensive damage, or has mileage that makes retail resale unlikely, it will typically be offered to licensed salvage or parts buyers. These buyers may purchase the vehicle for usable components, scrap value, or rebuilding potential where permitted. This is often the best outcome for older cars sitting unused in Wilkes-Barre, Edwardsville, Forty Fort, or Ashley. Even when a car is not road-ready, it can still become charitable revenue that supports Heritage for the Blind services for blind and visually impaired people.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind and you receive tax documents
After the vehicle is sold, the gross sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446. Those proceeds are the charity revenue created by your donated vehicle and help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. If your vehicle sells for over $500, you should receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price, which is generally the amount used for your vehicle donation tax deduction. Always consult a qualified tax professional for your personal situation, but you can feel confident that the donation process is designed to be documented and transparent.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available for donated vehicles in Wilkes-Barre and many nearby Scranton-Wilkes-Barre communities.
Running vehicles in resalable condition typically go to a public or dealer auction after pickup.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles are typically sold to 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 receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.
Heritage for the Blind uses vehicle sale revenue to help fund services for blind and visually impaired Americans.