How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute form or call Heritage
Begin by completing Delta Ride Exchange’s short online donation form, which typically takes about two minutes. You can also call Heritage for the Blind directly if you prefer to speak with a person. Have basic details ready, such as the vehicle year, make, model, approximate condition, whether it runs, where it is located in the Stockton Metro area, and your contact information. You do not need to know the vehicle’s value before donating. Once submitted, your request starts the coordination process with Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) charity, EIN 58-2164446.
A coordinator calls within 1-2 business hours
After your form or call is received, a donation coordinator will call you back, usually within 1-2 business hours. This conversation is meant to confirm the vehicle details, answer your questions, and find a pickup time that works for you. Donors in Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, Tracy, Morada, and nearby communities can ask about access issues like apartment parking, gated communities, narrow driveways, workplace lots, or vehicles stored at a repair shop. The coordinator will also remind you what paperwork to have ready so pickup day is straightforward.
Your vehicle is picked up for free
A licensed tow truck is scheduled to come to your location, with same-day or next-business-day pickup available in most Stockton Metro areas. There is no towing fee, no hidden charge, and no cost to you at any step. At pickup, you will sign the title over, and the driver will collect the vehicle and any required documents. Remove personal items, license plates if California instructions require it for your situation, and parking passes or toll tags. The driver can pick up from a home, office, storage lot, mechanic, or other accessible location.
The vehicle goes to auction or a parts reseller
Once towed, the vehicle is transported for resale processing. Depending on its age, mileage, condition, and local market demand, it may be sent to auction or to a parts reseller. Donors often worry that a non-running car, older truck, damaged van, or high-mileage SUV will not qualify, but many vehicles can still be accepted. The goal is to turn the donated vehicle into support for Heritage for the Blind while keeping the experience easy for you. You do not need to attend the sale or negotiate with buyers.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle sells, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind to help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage for the Blind is a real 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Donating through Delta Ride Exchange is a practical way to clear space in your driveway while supporting a mission that serves people with vision loss. Heritage also connects people with resources such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and other benefit programs through its finder at nhftb.org/finder.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the sale
The full donation timeline is typically 2-6 weeks, because the vehicle must be picked up, processed, sold, and documented. After the sale, your tax receipt 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 under, you receive a written acknowledgment. Keep this documentation with your tax records. Delta Ride Exchange cannot provide tax advice, so speak with a qualified tax professional about how your donation may apply to your return.
Key facts about car donation
Pickup is free throughout the donation process, including many homes, workplaces, repair shops, and storage locations in Stockton Metro.
A coordinator usually calls within 1-2 business hours after you submit the form or call Heritage.
Same-day or next-business-day towing is available in most metro areas when scheduling and access allow.
You sign the vehicle title over at pickup, so have the title ready before the tow truck arrives.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, EIN 58-2164446.
Tax documents are mailed after sale: Form 1098-C over $500, written acknowledgment for $500 or under.