Photo by Edmond Dantès under Pexels License
Since 2005, Goodwill Car Donations has been helping communities like South Bend by turning unwanted vehicles into real opportunities for people who need support. As you read on, you’ll learn how simple it is to donate your car, how your gift funds life-changing services and how our quick, cost-free process benefits both you and your neighbors. You’ll also discover the types of vehicles you can give and how your donation helps people overcome barriers to employment, education and stability. To start making a difference today, call 866-233-8586 and let us guide you through the process.
When you donate your unwanted clunker to us, we will auction it off. The proceeds from the sale will be given to critical community-building programs and services of the Goodwill organizations nearest your location. These nonprofits cater to individuals in your community who are burdened with various forms of disabilities, lack of education and other personal barriers to employment and a successful life.
These nonprofits use the funding they get from us to sustain their delivery of various essential services to their beneficiaries. The services include skills and job training, career development and placement, scholarships, youth employment, livelihood, disability benefits support and other community-building support services.
No matter where you live in South Bend – whether it’s Georgetown North, Inwood Road, Nutwood, Westfield or anywhere in between – we’re ready to pick up your vehicle.
How Can I Make a South Bend, Indiana Charity Auto Donation?
If your car is no longer providing you the comfort, speed and security that you need, and your efforts to restore it to its optimal condition have been in vain, then it’s probably time to let it go. Before long, you’ll realize that maintaining such a vehicle is draining your time and money, leaving you with a problem sitting in your driveway.
To put an end to your troubles and help you save your hard-earned money, we encourage you to donate a used car to us in South Bend, Indiana.
Here’s a preview of our seamless donation process:
- Contact us.
Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online form to give us your contact details and basic information about your vehicle. Once you submit the form, we’ll call you right away to verify everything. - Schedule your free vehicle pickup.
We’ll work with you to choose the most convenient time, date and location for your FREE pickup. Our licensed towing partner will haul away your vehicle at no cost. We’ll give you a towing receipt so you can cancel your registration and insurance. - Receive your tax-deductible receipt.
We’ll send your vehicle to auction and work hard to secure its highest possible sale price. After it’s sold, we’ll mail your 100% tax-deductible sales receipt so you can claim your deduction when filing your itemized return.
For questions, call 866-233-8586, message us online or visit our website for more details.
What Are the Best Reasons for Making a Goodwill Auto Donation?
If you do not have the time, money and patience to sell an unwanted vehicle, the practical solution would be to donate it to Goodwill Car Donations through our car donations program in South Bend, Indiana.
To give you an idea about what’s in store for you as a donor, check this out:
- Our donation process is quick and painless.
- You can get your car out of your property in a snap.
- No towing expenses to worry about.
- Eliminate the need to spend money on insurance and registration.
- No need to spruce up your vehicle to make it more appealing. We’ll take it as it is.
- We’ll handle all the paperwork for you.
- You’ll get a hefty tax deduction in the next tax season.
- You’ll feel good about yourself for doing something that will make a difference in your community.
What Are the Vehicle Types That You Can Donate?
At Goodwill Car Donations, we accept almost all types of vehicles, including those that no longer run. Whether they’re made for land, water or air travel, we’ll be happy to have them with us. Just talk to us if you have uncertainties about your vehicle’s condition. We’ll be there right away to answer all your queries.
Check out the list below to have an idea of what you can donate to us in South Bend, Indiana:
- Common vehicles: cars, SUVs, trucks, vans
- Motorcycles: dirt bikes, scooters, sports bikes, mopeds
- Watercraft: catamaran boats, motorboats, Jet Skis, pontoon boats, yachts
- Recreational vehicles: motorhomes, campers, travel trailers, pop-up trailers
- Aircraft: private planes, jet planes, helicopters
- Specialty vehicles: motorized wheelchairs, snowmobiles, golf carts, ATVs, riding lawnmowers
Planning to donate an old truck and your grandpa’s motorized wheelchair at the same time? Why not? We love multiple automobile donations!
Photo by Brandon Paul under Unsplash License
Beyond Donating, How Else Can I Help My Community?
If you want to make an even greater impact in South Bend, consider giving your time to support people facing poverty or homelessness. Volunteering provides meaningful, hands-on help to individuals who rely on community programs for food, shelter, stability and hope. Start by contacting these local organizations to ask about current opportunities:
City of South Bend, Community Investment Department – Homeless Services
This department coordinates the city’s entire homelessness response and works closely with shelters and outreach nonprofits. Because they oversee these partnerships, they can direct you to the organizations that need volunteers most for daily support work.
St. Joseph County Department of Community Initiatives
Focused on strengthening families and reducing poverty, this department funds numerous local nonprofits. They can show you which mentorship, employment training and neighborhood-based programs rely on volunteers to keep serving the community.
Local Homeless Shelters & Outreach Partners
Shelters and outreach organizations frequently need volunteers for meal services, donation sorting, resource distribution and client support. Many of these groups operate with the guidance of city and county departments, ensuring your help goes where it’s needed most.
Your time can change lives just as much as your donated vehicle.
Ready to Help Make South Bend, Indiana a Better Place Today?
If you have a soft spot for deserving individuals in South Bend, Indiana who need someone to help them get back on their feet, donating to Goodwill Car Donations will surely meet your expectations. Call 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now to get started!
Which neighborhoods in the area have the highest crime and poverty rates?
St. Casimir, West Washington, Harrison Park, Westside and Lasalle Park are neighborhoods in South Bend with the highest poverty and crime rates.
Where can I find the South Bend BMV Branch?
You can find the South Bend BMV Branch at 1139 E. Ireland Rd. At this facility, you can cancel your registration, transfer the car title and return the license plates.
What steps should I take to get an IRS tax deduction for an auto donation to charity?
You can qualify for a tax deduction by following these steps:
- Choose an IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to donate to, such as Goodwill Car Donations.
- Your deduction amount is based on the vehicle’s selling price at auction; you may receive fair market value or up to $500.
- Itemize your deductions when filing taxes and include the value of your donation.
- Provide required documents, including the VIN, donation date, your name and the sale information.
Why should I consider contributing to Goodwill Car Donations when looking to get rid of a vehicle?
Goodwill Car Donations offers donors a convenient and seamless vehicle donation process. Our team handles everything from scheduling pickup and towing to completing important paperwork. We accept a wide range of vehicles in working and nonworking condition.
When you donate a car to our program, we auction it off and use the proceeds to support nonprofit partners in the area. These organizations provide resources and services to disadvantaged people in the community. Your contribution helps them get back on their feet.
We serve the entire area, including nearby Elkhart and Fort Wayne.
Last Updated: November 18th, 2025