Wheels for Wishes: Vehicle Donation
Donate your car, truck, RV, boat or other vehicle to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon.
To donate a vehicle to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon, please submit a vehicle donation form.
Our Vehicle Donation Program is managed through a partnership with Speed’s Towing. A representative from Speed’s Towing will contact you within two business days on our behalf. Please have the vehicle’s title with you when Speed’s calls to expedite the processing of your generous donation.
If you have any questions or require further assistance, please contact Development and Communications Manager Ellen Dully at 503-292-2280, ext. 27.
Please fill out our vehicle donation form to start your donation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
• What vehicles does Make-A-Wish accept?
• Does my car have to be running to qualify for a donation?
• How does Wheels for Wishes work?
• Do I notify the DMV?
• How do I claim the vehicle donation on my taxes?
• How does the Make-A-Wish Foundation obtain my vehicle?
• Do I have to be with the vehicle at the time of pick-up?
• What paperwork do I need?
• How much money will the Foundation receive?
• How do I get started?
Q: What vehicles does Make-A-Wish accept?
A: The Wheels for Wishes program accepts cars, trucks, camper trailers, tractors, motorcycles, ATV’s, snowmobiles, RV’s, boats, jet skis, and even planes. The better the condition of the vehicle, the easier it is to sell it for a good price at auction and more money comes back to the Foundation.
Q: Does my car have to be running to qualify for donation?
A: No, but the car must have an engine and be towable. However, cars that are in extremely poor condition or a great distance from our tow range may cost more to tow than the value of the vehicle. If this is the case, Make-A-Wish may not receive any dollars from your vehicle.
Q: How does Wheels for Wishes work?
A: Most vehicles donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon are sold at an open-to-the-public auction. A small percentage of the proceeds go to the auction vendor as a well-earned fee for towing the many donated vehicles to the auction, providing the auction services, and processing the DMV paperwork.
Q: Do I notify the DMV?
A: We recommend that you contact the DMV to let them know the vehicle was donated. You are required by law to provide this notice. You may choose one of the following options.
1. Use the online notice of vehicle sale form
2. Download a copy of the notice of vehicle sale (to fill out and mail to DMV)
Important: You must notify DMV that you have sold a vehicle within 10 days of the sale. This information will be noted on the vehicle record, but the name(s) on DMV records cannot change until the title is submitted for transfer. Oregon Revised Statutes 803.112 to ORS 803.117, and Oregon Administrative Rule 735-020-0080 provide further information on your responsibilities.
Q: How do I claim the vehicle donation on my taxes?
A: After a vehicle sells, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon will provide you an acknowledgment letter within 30 days of the sale. The amount of gross proceeds received from your vehicle will be listed on this receipt, and this will serve as a tax-receipt and proof of your donation. For additional guidance on vehicle donations, consult your tax adviser or visit www.irs.gov and see IRS Publication 4303 “A Donor’s Guide to Vehicle Donations.”
Q: How does the Make-A-Wish Foundation obtain my vehicle?
A: Once your information is received, our partner towing company, Speed’s Supertow, will contact you to set up details. Please call Speed’s at 503-234-5555 and tell them you’d like to donate your car to benefit Make-A-Wish or submit the vehicle donation form to start the process.
Q: Do I have to be with the vehicle at the time of pick-up?
A: No. Special arrangements can be made when you talk with the tow company.
Q: What paperwork do I need?
A: All parties listed on the title need to sign off on the title before Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon can accept the vehicle. Sign under “seller’s printed name” or “signature of owner releasing interest/certifying odometer reading.” All owners shown on the front of the title must sign. Record the odometer reading on the title, if applicable. If you wish, you may use a bill of sale to aid in your transaction. Note: The bill of sale is not a substitute for signing over the title, which must be done to transfer the vehicle’s ownership. If there is a lien on the vehicle (in other words, if you still owe money on your loan), the security interest holder is the legal owner and you cannot sell, donate or gift the vehicle until you have satisfied their interest (paid off the loan) and they have provided the title to you with a written release of interest.
Q: How much money will the Foundation receive?
A: It varies depending on the condition of the vehicle, the distance for towing and small administrative costs. The Foundation will receive the remainder of the proceeds from the sale of the car at public auction.
Q: How do I get started?
A: Submit your vehicle donation form or call Speed’s Towing at 503-234-5555 and tell them you’d like to donate your car to benefit Make-A-Wish. Thank you for supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.
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