“Wheels for Meals” accepts most cars, trucks, SUV’s, vans, fleet vehicles, and motorcycles. If you have any questions about what you can donate, please call us at 877-872-2127.

In most cases we will need the signed registration to the vehicle, but in some cases a title will have to be provided. If you are unsure about the paperwork required, you may contact us by calling us at 877-872-2127.

Yes, we are able to accept most vehicles whether they are drivable or not. For more information, please call 877-872-2127.

Yes, vehicles donated to “Wheels for Meals” are tax deductible at a minimum deduction of $500.

Your car donation to an IRS approved charity is fully tax deductible and will fall into one of these categories:

1. For vehicles sold for under $500, you can claim the fair market value up to $500.00 without any additional paperwork.  The preliminary tax receipt will be mailed after vehicle has been confirmed picked up.
2. If the gross proceeds for the sale of your donated vehicle exceeds $500.00, your deduction will be limited to the actual sale price. You will also be asked by DPA to provide your Social Security Number for the purposes of completing its IRS Form 1098-C form.

We will provide you with a receipt stating the final sales price of your vehicle within 30 days of its sale.

Within 24 hours of receiving your donation form, a “Wheels for Meals” rep will contact you to schedule a free vehicle pick up.
Or call 877-872-2127 during operational hours (from…), and our representatives can assist you in arranging vehicle pickup or towing… including Saturdays.

The moment we receive your vehicle, DPA insurance provides coverage. We will handle all transfer documents according to the State Department of Vehicle Services guidelines, and provide you with receipts and information for your tax deduction.

Because of the difference in sales proceeds from one vehicle to the next, and because of the costs involved in turning your donated vehicle into cash, the donation that DPA makes to L.I. Cares from the sale of your vehicle can be a larger percentage for a higher-valued vehicle, or much lower for an older, low- valued, non-running vehicle that is recycled. The lower percentage is a result of there being minimum fixed costs incurred to obtain, tow and sell each car. These fixed costs can sometimes be a high percentage of the selling price of a lower- valued, scrap vehicle. DPA does receive a large number of donated scrap vehicles, which can bring the estimated average donation per vehicle percentage down. The average donation benefit is approximately 33%.
Car donation programs do have higher costs to promote and operate, compared to other forms of charity fundraising. If you’re concerned about giving 100% of the value of your vehicle to L.I. Cares, or any charity, the best way to do so is to sell your vehicle yourself, and directly donate your sale proceeds.