Wheels for Wishes: Your Car Donation Can Grant a Child’s Dream

Wheels for Wishes transforms unwanted vehicles into life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses. Since its founding in 2009, this program has donated over $196 million to children’s charities nationwide, helping grant thousands of wishes for local children. A wish gives a child something to look forward to during difficult medical treatments, boosts emotional resilience, and creates cherished family memories that last a lifetime. Research consistently shows that wish experiences have profound effects on children’s physical and emotional health, giving them renewed strength to face medical challenges. Whether you have an old car sitting in your driveway or a boat you no longer use, your donation can make a real difference in a child’s life.

How Wheels for Wishes Works 🚗

• You donate your vehicle quickly and easily by calling 1-855-278-9474 or filling out an online form
• The program accepts most vehicles regardless of condition—running or not, old or new
• We provide free towing nationwide, typically within 24 hours of the next business day
• We mail you a tax-deductible receipt after we process your donation
• We sell the vehicle at auction, and the proceeds benefit local children’s wish and hospital charities
• You can claim the fair market value up to $500 if the vehicle sells for under $500
• You can claim the exact sale amount as your tax deduction if it sells for more than $500
• You avoid the hassle of selling a used car privately
• You receive a 1098-C form for tax purposes after we sell the vehicle
• Since 2010, we have donated over $196 million to charity
• We serve Make-A-Wish chapters and children’s hospitals in communities nationwide
• We accept most vehicles in most conditions on a case-by-case basis

Types of Vehicles Accepted 🚙

• We accept cars and trucks of any make, model, or condition
• We accept SUVs and vans, whether they run or not
• We accept motorcycles and dirt bikes
• We accept boats, jet skis, and other watercraft
• We accept RVs and motorhomes on a case-by-case basis
• We accept trailers and travel trailers
• We even accept non-running vehicles and recycle them for parts
• We pick up vehicles from almost any location in the United States

• We serve Make-A-Wish chapters and children’s hospitals in communities nationwide
• We consider most vehicles in most conditions on a case-by-case basis

The Tax Deduction Benefit 💰

• Wheels for Wishes is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the IRS
• We provide a tax-deductible receipt for your charitable contribution
• You can deduct the exact sale amount if the vehicle sells for more than $500
• You can claim fair market value up to $500 if it sells for less than $500
• Many companies match employee donations, doubling your impact at no extra cost
• We are verified with the IRS, so you can claim your donation confidently
• We recommend consulting a tax advisor for individual tax issues
• We mail donation receipts after the vehicle sells, typically within a few weeks
• You should call us if you haven’t received your receipt within 30 days
• Your tax deduction amount appears on a 1098-C form for motor vehicle donations

The Impact on Children’s Lives 🌟

• Your vehicle donation funds life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses
• Wishes give children something to look forward to during difficult treatment periods
• Parents report that wishes give their children renewed strength to face medical challenges

• Siblings also benefit from experiencing joy and normalcy during difficult family circumstances
• Make-A-Wish chapters across the country depend on community support to grant these wishes
• Your vehicle donation proceeds stay local and benefit children in your own community
• Medical research shows wish experiences have profound effects on children’s physical and emotional health
• Since 2010, donors have helped us grant thousands of wishes
• As of 2026, donors have helped grant more than 14,387 wishes
• Children get to meet their heroes, visit dream destinations, receive special gifts, or experience adventures that seemed impossible

Transparency: Where the Money Goes 📊

• We are committed to transparency for donors and children’s charities
• In 2024 alone, we donated $5,970,141.37 to Make-A-Wish nationally
• That funded approximately 535 life-changing wishes for children facing critical illness
• Along with Disney and Macy’s, we are one of the top overall donors to Make-A-Wish in the United States
• On average, 39% of the maximized vehicle value goes to Make-A-Wish
• The percentage fluctuates based on vehicle value—higher-value vehicles mean more money goes to charity
• Associated costs include towing, auction fees, and administrative expenses
• Since 2010, we have donated over $196 million to charity
• Make-A-Wish America leadership endorses our program
• We have reached a historic milestone of 100,000 vehicle donations

Car Donation Foundation: The Organization Behind It 🔍

• Car Donation Foundation (CDF) operates the Wheels for Wishes program
• CDF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) vehicle donation organization
• The foundation operates three programs: Wheels for Wishes, Vehicles for Veterans, and Animal Car Donation
• CDF has reached a historic milestone of 100,000 vehicle donations since its inception
• These donations have generated more than $186 million in charitable support
• Our mission is to help charities fulfill their missions with proceeds from car donation programs
• CDF and benefitting charities are separate and unaffiliated 501(c) organizations
• We founded the organization in 2009 and have been making an impact ever since
• Our purpose is to transform vehicle donations into meaningful support for communities

Quick and Easy Donation Steps 📋

• Step 1: Call 1-855-278-9474 or visit our online donation form
• Step 2: Schedule free towing—a tow truck arrives within 24 hours of the next business day
• Step 3: Receive a tax-deductible receipt by mail after we complete the donation
• The process requires minimal effort from you—you don’t need to be present for pickup
• Our representatives are friendly and helpful throughout the process
• Many donors report the process is smooth and easy, with quick response times
• Before pickup, simply remove your personal belongings from the vehicle
• You do not need to clean it, repair it, or fill the gas tank
• You can initiate the entire donation process in less than five minutes
• Our team handles everything else after you donate

Donor Reviews and Experiences ⭐

• Wheels for Wishes has an “Excellent” rating on Trustpilot with over 5,900 reviews
• One donor shared: “Excellent experience. Made the whole donation process a piece of cake”
• Another reported: “Smooth sailing from picking up the car to receiving receipt”
• A third donor noted: “This is my family’s 3rd donation to this organization and we have had no problems”
• One donor’s vehicle sold at auction for $1,100, and they found it “rewarding that my car was able to contribute to a great cause”
• Some donors note lower-than-expected tax deductions, but still feel good about supporting the cause
• Occasional delays in receiving receipts occur, but we follow up to resolve issues
• One donor shared: “I called Monday and my vehicle was gone by Wednesday. Really nice experience, grateful for this organization!”
• Another shared: “They clarified any questions I had promptly, photographed and checked my vehicle, kept me informed until it sold”
• Donors consistently praise our responsiveness and efficiency

What a Wish Means to a Child 🎈

• Wishes give children opportunities to focus on something other than their medical routines
• Wishes let children “be a kid again”
• Some children wish to meet their heroes or visit dream destinations like Disney World or Hawaii
• Other wishes include receiving special gifts or experiencing adventures that seemed impossible given medical conditions
• Wishes provide hope during the most challenging times for families
• Every donated vehicle helps us make these dreams a reality
• Wishes boost emotional resilience and create cherished family memories
• Parents report that wishes give their children renewed strength to face medical challenges
• Wishes have profound effects on children’s physical and emotional health
• A wish can be a turning point in a child’s medical journey

Service Areas and Availability 📍

• We serve Make-A-Wish chapters in locations throughout the United States
• We accept vehicle donations in most states, including: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming
• If we haven’t listed your state, you can still call to see if we can accept your donation
• We provide free towing nationwide
• Your vehicle donation proceeds stay local and benefit children in your own community
• This localized approach creates strong community connections
• You can see the direct impact of your generosity on children in your area
• We serve communities nationwide, from small rural towns to major metropolitan areas

Frequently Asked Questions About Wheels for Wishes ❓

What is Wheels for Wishes?

Wheels for Wishes is a car donation program that benefits children’s wish and hospital charities. The program accepts vehicle donations and uses the proceeds to grant wishes for children facing critical illnesses.

How do I donate my car?

Call 1-855-278-9474 or visit the online donation form. We arrange free towing, and we mail a tax-deductible receipt after we process the donation.

What types of vehicles do you accept?

We accept almost any vehicle, including cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and jet skis—whether running or not.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes, Wheels for Wishes is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We provide a tax receipt for the sale amount of the vehicle.

How much of the donation goes to charity?

On average, 39% of the maximized vehicle value goes to Make-A-Wish. Higher-value vehicles mean a higher percentage goes to charity.

Do you accept non-running vehicles?

Yes, we accept vehicles regardless of condition. We recycle non-running vehicles for parts, and the proceeds still benefit children’s charities.

How long does the donation process take?

We typically schedule pickup within 24 hours of the next business day. We mail the tax receipt after the vehicle sells at auction.

Do you offer free towing?

Yes, we provide free towing nationwide.

What if I don’t receive my tax receipt?

Call our donation representatives—we can resend the receipt by mail or email. Sometimes receipts get lost or sent to the wrong address.

Can I choose which charity my donation supports?

Proceeds generally benefit children’s wish and hospital charities in your local community.

How much has Wheels for Wishes donated to charity?

Since 2010, Car Donation Foundation has donated over $196 million to charity through its programs, including Wheels for Wishes.

Does my vehicle have to be in working condition?

No, we accept vehicles in most conditions. Even vehicles that no longer run can generate proceeds through auction or recycling.

How long does it take to schedule pickup?

We typically schedule pickup within 24 hours of the next business day after you complete the donation form.

What if my vehicle has a logo or wrap?

Please note that we do not automatically remove wraps and logos before sale. Reach out to customer service to investigate options and costs.

Is this program affiliated with Make-A-Wish?

Yes, Wheels for Wishes benefits Make-A-Wish chapters throughout the United States. We are one of the top overall donors to Make-A-Wish.

Conclusion: Turning Wheels into Wishes 🚗✨

Wheels for Wishes offers a simple yet powerful way to make a difference in a child’s life. By donating an unwanted vehicle, you can help grant a wish to a child facing a critical illness, providing them with hope, joy, and something to look forward to during difficult treatments. Since 2010, this program has raised over $196 million and granted thousands of wishes. With free towing, a tax-deductible receipt, and a commitment to transparency, Wheels for Wishes makes car donation easy and impactful. Your old car can become a child’s dream—turn your wheels into wishes today! 🚗✨🙏