How the car donation process works
Start with a mission-focused vehicle donation
When you choose Bayou Rides Exchange, your Louisiana car donation is directed to Heritage for the Blind, a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with EIN 58-2164446. You can donate most vehicle types, including cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and motorcycles, even if the vehicle is not perfect. The goal is simple: turn an unused or unwanted vehicle into proceeds that support services for people who are blind or visually impaired. You provide basic vehicle details, choose a convenient pickup location, and begin a donation that is built around real charitable impact.
Schedule free pickup anywhere service is available in Louisiana
After your donation is submitted, free towing is arranged at a time that works for you. Pickup is available across Louisiana communities such as New Orleans, Algiers, Mid-City, Baton Rouge, Prairieville, Lafayette, Youngsville, Shreveport, Bossier City, Lake Charles, Houma, Slidell, and surrounding areas. You do not need to drive the vehicle to a drop-off point. A towing professional will coordinate the pickup details, collect the vehicle, and provide the next-step documentation. This makes donating easier for busy families, retirees, and anyone who wants to support the mission without extra hassle.
Your vehicle is sold and 100-percent of proceeds go to Heritage
Once the vehicle is picked up, it is processed for sale through the appropriate vehicle-disposition channel. The key point for mission-motivated donors is that 100-percent of the vehicle sale proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind. That means your old sedan in Metairie, pickup in Lafayette, or SUV in Baton Rouge is converted into funding for charitable services rather than sitting unused in a driveway. Bayou Rides Exchange helps make the transaction simple, while Heritage for the Blind receives the proceeds that support its nonprofit work.
Proceeds support services for blind and visually impaired people
Heritage for the Blind uses vehicle proceeds to support services for Americans who are blind or visually impaired. A major part of that work includes helping connect individuals with government benefit programs that may improve stability and access to care. These may include SSI/SSDI, LIHEAP, Section 8, Medicare Extra Help, Medicaid, and related assistance programs. Donors who want to see how eligibility support works can visit nhftb.org/finder. Your donation helps fund a mission that focuses on guidance, connection, and practical assistance for people facing vision loss.
Receive tax documentation for your charitable donation
Because Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446, eligible donations may be tax deductible for donors who itemize deductions. If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, your deduction is generally based on the gross vehicle sale price, and IRS Form 1098-C is used for reporting. You should keep all donation paperwork with your tax records and consult a tax professional for advice based on your personal situation. The process gives you both mission impact and the documentation needed for a potential charitable deduction.
Key facts about car donation
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446.
100-percent of your vehicle sale proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind.
Free towing is available for qualifying Louisiana vehicle donations through Bayou Rides Exchange.
Heritage helps connect eligible individuals with SSI/SSDI, LIHEAP, Section 8, Medicare Extra Help, and Medicaid.
Donors and families can check benefit eligibility support at nhftb.org/finder.
For vehicles sold over $500, itemizing donors generally use IRS Form 1098-C.