How the car donation process works
You start the donation and schedule free Knoxville Metro pickup
Your donation begins with a simple request through Tennessee Auto Legacy. You share basic vehicle details, such as the year, make, model, mileage, condition, and whether it starts. From there, free towing is arranged at a convenient time and location in the Knoxville Metro area, including neighborhoods and nearby communities like West Hills, Sequoyah Hills, Powell, Karns, Alcoa, and Clinton. You do not need to make the car perfect first. Keys, title information, and access to the vehicle are usually the most important items for a smooth pickup.
After pickup, the vehicle is assessed for the best resale path
Once your vehicle is picked up, it is evaluated based on condition, mileage, drivability, market demand, and resale potential. This assessment helps determine where the car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, or other eligible vehicle should go next. The goal is not to keep the vehicle or store it indefinitely. The goal is to turn your donation into proceeds for Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446. A running vehicle with resale value may be handled differently than a non-running, damaged, very high-mileage, or incomplete vehicle.
Running vehicles usually go to public or dealer auction
If your donated vehicle runs and appears to be in resalable condition, it will typically be sent to a public or dealer auction. Auctions allow buyers to compete for vehicles based on condition and market value. This is the common route for cars that still have transportation value, even if they are older or no longer right for your family. Tennessee Auto Legacy does not promise a specific sale price, but the auction process is designed to convert the vehicle into revenue for Heritage for the Blind as efficiently as possible.
Non-running or high-mileage vehicles may be sold for salvage or parts
Not every donated vehicle is ready for the road, and that is okay. If your car does not run, has major mechanical issues, has very high mileage, or would cost too much to repair for resale, it will typically be sold to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. These buyers may recycle usable parts, recover scrap value, or dismantle the vehicle according to industry practices. Even when a vehicle cannot go to auction as transportation, it can still create proceeds that support Heritage for the Blind services.
Sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle is sold, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, EIN 58-2164446. For the charity, the vehicle sale proceeds are revenue that helps fund programs and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage also helps connect people with benefit resources, and donors or families looking for eligibility tools can visit nhftb.org/finder to explore programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and other assistance options.
You receive the tax paperwork after the sale
Your donation can qualify for a tax deduction because Heritage for the Blind is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446. If your vehicle sells for more than $500, your deduction is generally equal to the gross sale price, and you receive IRS Form 1098-C for your tax records. If the sale price is $500 or less, different IRS rules may apply. Tennessee Auto Legacy keeps the paperwork process straightforward, but you should consult a tax professional for advice about your specific return.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available throughout Knoxville Metro for eligible donated vehicles.
Running, resalable vehicles typically go to public or dealer auction.
Non-running or high-mileage vehicles are commonly sold to licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, 501(c)(3), EIN 58-2164446.
For vehicles sold over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.
Your car does not need to be perfect to help blind and visually impaired people.