How the car donation process works
You schedule a free Greater Boston vehicle pickup
Start by telling Revive Rides about the vehicle you want to donate, including the year, make, model, mileage, condition, and where it is parked. Free towing is available across Greater Boston, including Boston neighborhoods like Dorchester, Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, South Boston, Brighton, and Hyde Park, as well as nearby communities such as Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Quincy, Newton, Medford, Malden, Revere, and Lynn. A licensed towing provider will coordinate a convenient pickup window. You do not need to repair, clean, or detail the car before donating.
The vehicle is assessed after pickup
After pickup, your donated vehicle is reviewed for basic resale factors: whether it starts and drives, approximate mileage, visible condition, age, title status, and likely demand in the regional vehicle market. This assessment determines the best path for generating proceeds for Heritage for the Blind. Revive Rides does not promise that every car will be repaired, auctioned, or used in the same way because each vehicle is different. The goal is simple and practical: route the car to the option most likely to produce value for the nonprofit mission.
Running vehicles typically 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. Auctions allow buyers to compete for the vehicle based on its actual condition and market demand. This is common for donated vehicles that still have transportation value, even if they are older or have cosmetic issues. The gross sale price from that auction becomes the basis for your tax documentation when the vehicle sells for more than $500, and the proceeds are directed to Heritage for the Blind.
Non-running or high-mileage vehicles may be sold for parts
Not every donated car is a good fit for auction. Vehicles that are non-running, badly damaged, missing key components, very high mileage, or too costly to repair are typically sold to licensed salvage or parts buyers. That does not mean your donation is wasted. Salvage and parts buyers can often create value from usable components, recyclable materials, or repairable inventory. Those proceeds still go directly to Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, helping turn a vehicle you no longer need into funding for services for blind and visually impaired people.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind services
Heritage for the Blind is a real 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446, and the sale proceeds from donated vehicles are revenue for the organization. Instead of your unused car sitting in a Boston driveway, garage, alley spot, or suburban parking space, it can help fund services connected to independence, information, and support for people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage also connects people with benefit resources, including SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and related programs. Donors or households seeking eligibility information can visit nhftb.org/finder.
You receive tax documentation after the sale
After your vehicle is sold, you receive the appropriate donation paperwork for your records. If the vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price. In that situation, your tax deduction is generally equal to the gross sale price listed on the form, subject to IRS rules and your personal tax situation. Revive Rides cannot provide tax advice, so it is smart to speak with a qualified tax professional if you have questions about itemizing or claiming your deduction.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available for eligible vehicle donations throughout Boston and the Greater Boston area.
Running vehicles in resalable condition typically go to public or dealer auction after assessment.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles typically 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 selling over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C showing gross sale price.
You do not need to repair, wash, or inspect your vehicle before donating it.