Junk to Joy: How Donating A Car Turned Into a Wish

May 22, 2025

You can donate your old car to Wheels For Wishes and help grant a wish for a child facing critical illness, in partnership with Make-A-Wish. It doesn't need to run, and towing is free.

Old car parked in a driveway ready for donation — That car in the driveway can become funding for a child's wish.

Surprising Worth of Your Old Car

Older vehicle with visible wear being evaluated for donation — Even a high-mileage or non-running car still has real value to give.

You might think your car isn't worth donating, but even a high-mileage or non-running vehicle can generate real value for Make-A-Wish. We accept most vehicles in most conditions on a case-by-case basis.

Whether your car goes to auction or is recycled for parts, it still generates proceeds toward a wish, and you'll receive a tax-deductible receipt reflecting the sale price if you itemize.

How the Donation Process Works

Tow truck picking up a donated vehicle — Free towing means you don't have to lift a finger.

Most vehicles qualify for donation, including ones with body damage, mechanical problems, or years of sitting unused, evaluated on a case-by-case basis. A clear title in your name makes things fastest, though our team can often help if yours needs a duplicate or correction. See our title FAQ for details.

Once your donation is confirmed, we typically schedule free towing within 24 hours of the next business day.

Initiate Donation: Just call us at 1-855-278-9474 or fill out our quick online donation form. We'll take care of the details from there.
Free Towing: If we accept your donation, we provide free towing from your location, wherever you are, making the process hassle-free.
Tax Deduction: After your vehicle sells, we mail you a tax-deductible receipt reflecting the sale price, which you can claim if you itemize your deductions.
Create Life-Changing Impact: Your donated vehicle directly funds unforgettable experiences for children who need joy and encouragement the most.

How to Donate an Unwanted Car

Person handing over car keys during a donation pickup — Handing off your car takes only a few minutes.

Whether your car has been sitting for years or you're simply ready to make space in the driveway, starting the process takes just a few minutes. Most vehicles qualify, including ones that haven't run in years. See the types of vehicles we accept.

Car donor reviewing paperwork before pickup — There's no complicated paperwork on your end.

There's no complicated paperwork on your end. Call 1-855-278-9474 whenever you're ready to donate, and our team will walk you through anything your title needs.

Every Donation Grants a Wish

Child smiling during a Make-A-Wish experience — A wish gives a family a moment of pure joy.

Every car donated to Wheels For Wishes helps grant a wish through our partnership with Make-A-Wish, bringing hope and joy to a child facing critical illness. A wish is more than an experience. It gives a family a chance to step away from hospital visits and focus on connection, laughter, and hope during an incredibly difficult time.

Make-A-Wish and Wheels For Wishes partnership moment — Our partnership with Make-A-Wish turns donations into wishes granted.

Families often tell us how much a wish means, not just on the day it happens, but in the strength it brings afterward. Your donated vehicle becomes part of that moment, no matter its age or condition, and helps fund a real experience for a real child.