How the car donation process works
You start with a simple donation request
Start by telling Delta Ride Exchange about your car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, or other accepted vehicle. You do not need to know what it is worth or whether it will go to auction. Just provide the basic vehicle details, your Stockton Metro pickup location, and the best way to reach you. Free towing is available throughout Stockton and surrounding communities such as Lodi, Manteca, Tracy, Lathrop, and French Camp. Once your donation is recorded, a towing partner contacts you to schedule a convenient pickup.
Your vehicle is picked up at no cost
A licensed towing provider comes to the address you choose, whether the vehicle is in a driveway near Miracle Mile, parked in Weston Ranch, stored in Morada, or located at a business in downtown Stockton. The tow is free to you, and you do not have to pay repairs, storage, or transport fees to donate. At pickup, you will turn over the vehicle and receive the appropriate initial documentation. From there, the vehicle moves into the assessment process so the best resale or salvage path can be selected.
The vehicle is assessed after pickup
After pickup, the vehicle is reviewed for factors such as running condition, mileage, age, damage, title status, market demand, and likely resale value. This assessment determines whether the donated car should be offered at public or dealer auction, routed to a licensed salvage buyer, or sold for usable parts. Donors do not need to make that decision before donating. The goal is to place the vehicle where it can generate appropriate proceeds for Heritage for the Blind while keeping the process easy for you.
Running, resalable cars usually go to auction
If your donated vehicle runs and appears to be in resalable condition, it typically goes to a public or dealer auction. Auction sales help expose the vehicle to buyers who understand current market value, including dealers, wholesalers, and qualified bidders. Delta Ride Exchange does not promise a specific sale price, because the final amount depends on condition and buyer demand. Once sold, the gross sale price becomes the basis for your tax documentation when the vehicle sells for more than $500.
Non-running vehicles are usually sold for salvage or parts
If the vehicle does not run, has very high mileage, has major mechanical issues, or would cost more to repair than it is likely to bring at auction, it typically goes to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. That does not mean the donation has failed. Older and damaged vehicles can still produce proceeds through scrap value, reusable components, or specialized buyers. This route keeps the donation practical and helps turn an unwanted vehicle into support for Heritage for the Blind’s mission.
Proceeds fund Heritage for the Blind services
The sale proceeds from your donated vehicle go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446. Those proceeds are Heritage for the Blind’s revenue from the vehicle donation and help fund services for blind and visually impaired Americans. If your vehicle sells for more than $500, you receive IRS Form 1098-C, and your tax deduction is generally equal to the gross sale price reported on that form. Keep the form with your tax records and consult a tax professional if needed.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available across Stockton Metro, including Lodi, Manteca, Tracy, Lathrop, and Lincoln Village.
Vehicles are assessed after pickup, so you do not need to diagnose mechanical problems before donating.
Running, resalable vehicles typically move to public or dealer auction to capture competitive buyer interest.
Non-running or high-mileage vehicles typically go to licensed salvage or parts buyers instead of being discarded.
Proceeds are paid directly to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3), EIN 58-2164446, to support services.
For vehicles selling over $500, your deduction is generally the gross sale price reported on IRS Form 1098-C.