November 22, 2023

Car Donation in San Diego

By Ovais Mirza

Car donation is a noble way to give back to your community while getting rid of a vehicle you no longer need. San Diego, a vibrant city known for its philanthropic spirit, offers a variety of car donation charities that address different needs in the community. This article highlights the top 10 car donation charities in San Diego, each with its own unique mission and impact.

CharityWebsiteAddressPhone Number
1. San Diego Habitat for HumanityWebsite8128 Mercury Court, San Diego, CA 92111(619) 283-HOME (4663)
2. Veteran Car Donations in San DiegoWebsiteEmail: [email protected](866) 799-2017
3. Father Joe’s VillagesWebsite3350 E St., San Diego, CA 92102(619)-HOMELESS (466-3537)
4. San Diego Humane SocietyWebsite5500 Gaines St., San Diego CA 92110619-299-7012
5. KPBS San Diego Car DonationsWebsite5200 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182877-572-7227
6. Wheels For WishesWebsite5775 Wayzata Blvd. Suite 700, St. Louis Park, MN, 554161-855-278-9474
7. San Diego Rescue MissionWebsiteP.O. Box 80427, San Diego, CA 92138(619) 687-3720
8. Voice of San DiegoWebsite110 West A St. Suite 650, San Diego, CA 92101619-325-0525
9. Jewish Family ServiceWebsite8804 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123(858) 637-3210
10. Animal Car DonationWebsite5775 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 700, St. Louis Park, MN 554161-888-969-4857

The Benefits of Car Donation

Donating your car has benefits beyond just decluttering your space. It can provide a tax deduction, help charitable organizations fund their initiatives, and support those who are less fortunate. It’s a win-win situation for both donors and the recipients of the charity’s efforts.

How to Choose a Car Donation Charity

When choosing a car donation charity, it’s essential to consider their reputation, transparency, and how well their mission aligns with your values. Look for organizations that use a significant portion of the proceeds from car sales to support their programs rather than hefty administrative fees.

Top 10 Car Donation Charities in San Diego

#1. San Diego habitat for humanity

San Diego Habitat for Humanity’s car donation program in San Diego is a powerful way to make a lasting impact in the local community. By donating your vehicle, you not only rid yourself of an unwanted car but also support affordable housing initiatives. The process is simple: just fill out the online form or make a quick call, and their team will arrange a convenient pickup. Your donated car, whether running or not, can help build homes for deserving families in San Diego County. It’s an eco-friendly and socially responsible way to declutter while contributing to the organization’s mission of providing safe and stable housing for those in need.

Website: https://www.sandiegohabitat.org/support-us/donate-a-car/

Address: 8128 Mercury Court, San Diego, CA 92111

Phone Number: (619) 283-HOME (4663)

#2. Veteran Car Donations in San Diego

Veteran Car Donations in San Diego streamlines the process of disposing of your unwanted vehicle effortlessly. For San Diego residents, it’s worth noting that donating your car can potentially reduce your tax liability, translating to more money in your pocket. What’s even more convenient is that Veteran Car Donations simplifies the donation process for you. The beauty of selecting Veteran Car Donations lies in the fact that you won’t have to invest your time, energy, or resources in advertising your vehicle. In today’s fast-paced world, even giving away a car can be burdensome, especially if you lead a hectic life.

Website: https://www.veterancardonations.org/locations/california/san-diego/

Email: [email protected]

Phone Number: (866) 799-2017

#3. Father Joe’s Villages

Father Joe’s Villages Car Donation program in San Diego offers a meaningful way to support their mission of combating homelessness and poverty. By donating your vehicle, you contribute to their efforts in providing shelter, food, medical care, and employment services to those in need. It’s a hassle-free process that can also lead to valuable tax benefits for donors. Your old car becomes a lifeline for individuals seeking a fresh start, making Father Joe’s Villages Car Donation program a powerful way to make a positive impact in the San Diego community while parting with an unwanted vehicle.

Website: https://my.neighbor.org/take-action/donate-vehicles/

Address: 3350 E St., San Diego, CA 92102 

Phone Number: (619)-HOMELESS (466-3537)

#4. San Diego Humane Society

The San Diego Humane Society Car Donation program offers a compassionate way to support the welfare of animals in need. By donating your vehicle, you provide crucial funding for their rescue, shelter, and adoption services. It’s a hassle-free process that also potentially leads to tax benefits for donors. Your old car becomes a lifeline for animals seeking loving homes, making the San Diego Humane Society Car Donation program a meaningful way to contribute to the well-being and protection of animals in the San Diego area while parting with an unwanted vehicle.

Website: https://www.sdhumane.org/support-us/ways-to-give/vehicle-donations.html

Address: 5500 Gaines St., San Diego CA 92110

Phone Number: 619-299-7012

#5. KPBS San Diego Car Donations

Your vehicle donation to KPBS fuels our mission of offering diverse programming to San Diego and Imperial counties, including NPR, PBS, BBC, The World, and PRI content, encompassing national and global news, compelling dramas, enlightening documentaries, engaging podcasts, and educational children’s shows. Our dedicated newsroom on 89.5 FM (97.7 FM Calexico) and kpbs.org delivers local content throughout the day. We gladly accept various vehicle types, from cars to boats, with a straightforward donation process, free pick-up, and potential tax benefits. Your contribution ensures KPBS can provide high-quality content to communities like Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Oceanside, Escondido, El Cajon, and Chula Vista, keeping public broadcasting thriving!

Website: https://kpbs.careasy.org/san-diego-car-donations

Address: 5200 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182

Phone Number: 877-572-7227

#6. Wheels For Wishes

Wheels For Wishes operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit car donation program dedicated to benefiting Make-A-Wish San Diego. Our primary mission revolves around generating funds for Make-A-Wish, thereby contributing to their ability to fulfill more wishes for children in the local community. Since our inception in 2010, Wheels For Wishes has successfully raised over $109 million for various Make-A-Wish chapters across the nation.

Our firm belief is that every child, regardless of their health condition, deserves the opportunity to experience a joyful and carefree life. To accomplish this noble goal, we extend our unwavering support to Make-A-Wish by channeling the proceeds generated from our car donation program. You too can actively participate in making a positive impact, and it all starts with a simple vehicle donation.

Website: https://www.wheelsforwishes.org/sandiego/

Address: 5775 Wayzata Blvd. Suite 700, St. Louis Park, MN, 55416

Phone Number: 1-855-278-9474

#7. San Diego Rescue Mission

When you choose to contribute your car, van, or any other vehicle to the San Diego Rescue Mission, your action goes beyond a simple charitable gesture.

By donating your vehicle to the San Diego Rescue Mission, you effectively turn it into a “Vehicle of Hope.” This transformation takes place as we work diligently to find new owners for these tax-deductible auto donations within the San Diego community. The funds generated from these donations are then allocated to support our essential programs. Consequently, we are able to extend our reach and provide more meals, shelter, and enduring hope to those individuals who are in greatest need—men, women, and children alike.

Website: https://www.sdrescue.org/ways-to-give/donate-a-car/

Address: P.O. Box 80427, San Diego, CA 92138

Phone Number: (619) 687-3720

#8. Voice of San Diego

By generously donating a vehicle, members of our community can actively contribute to supporting Voice of San Diego.

Indeed, a solitary vehicle donation possesses the potential to create a significant impact by furnishing us with the necessary funds to sustain our trailblazing investigative journalism efforts for the San Diego area. We welcome all varieties of vehicle donations and strive to facilitate the process with free and convenient pickup services.

Consider your car, truck, RV, or any other vehicle as more than just a commodity with a modest trade-in value or an idle item gathering dust. Through donation, it becomes a powerful tool for advancing our mission and making a substantial difference in our community.

Website: https://voiceofsandiego.org/vehicle-donation-program/

Address: 110 West A St. Suite 650, San Diego, CA 92101

Phone Number: 619-325-0525

#9. Jewish Family Service

Jewish Family Service (JFS) in San Diego offers generous vehicle donation holds the power to offer vital assistance to the people of San Diego.

JFS serves as a haven for individuals on a quest for improved lives and those aspiring to facilitate such positive change. Frequently, individuals initially approach JFS with specific needs, such as alleviating hunger. However, this initial connection frequently unfolds into a comprehensive suite of interconnected services aimed at enhancing their well-being and mobility. By contributing your used vehicle, you can significantly contribute to the funding of our critical services that annually benefit over 30,000 residents of San Diego.

Website: https://www.jfssd.org/ways-to-give/vehicle-donations/

Address: 8804 Balboa Avenue | San Diego, CA 92123

Phone Number: (858) 637-3210

#10. Animal Car Donation

Consider donating your vehicle in the San Diego area to support animal rescue charities that make a difference for animals across California and the entire United States. Your unwanted car, truck, motorcycle, RV, or boat can be transformed into essential resources like food, shelter, and medical care for rescued animals. Additionally, we simplify the donation process, making it the hassle-free way to part with your old vehicle. We handle all the necessary paperwork on your behalf, and as a donor, you can also enjoy valuable benefits in return.

Website: https://animalcardonation.org/san-diego-california/

Address: 5775 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 700. St. Louis Park, MN 55416

Phone Number: 1-888-969-4857

How Car Donation Works

Car donation is a straightforward process. Once you’ve chosen a charity, they will guide you through the necessary steps, including arranging a pickup, handling paperwork, and ensuring you receive the appropriate tax documentation.

The Impact of Your Car Donation

The impact of your car donation goes far beyond the vehicle itself. It supports initiatives that uplift communities, provide essential services, and create a better future for those in need.

FAQs About Car Donations

Can I donate a car that’s not in running condition?

Yes, many charities accept cars in various conditions, running or not.

Is my car donation tax-deductible?

Generally, yes. However, it’s recommended to consult a tax professional for specific details.

How do I know the charity is using the donation effectively?

Look for charities that are transparent about their financials and impact. Websites like Charity Navigator can provide insights.

What documents do I need when donating my car?

You’ll typically need the vehicle title and possibly a release of liability form, which the charity will guide you through.

Can I choose which charity my car donation goes to?

Yes, most car donation programs allow you to choose the charity you want to support.

Conclusion

Car donation is a meaningful way to make a difference in San Diego. By choosing one of the top 10 car donation charities mentioned here, you can contribute to various causes that touch the lives of individuals and communities in need. So, if you’re ready to part ways with your old car while supporting a worthy cause, consider donating today.