Donate a Car in
Chicago, IL
Chicago metro pickup typically 3-5 business days. As a Georgia 501(c)(3), we accept vehicles in any condition — running or not — and issue IRS Form 1098-C tax receipts.
Donating a car in Chicago
Chicago metro pickup typically 3-5 business days. Cars Helping Kids is a Georgia 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Gainesville, GA, with a national towing partner network. We coordinate pickup at your Chicago address — no need to drive the vehicle anywhere or arrange your own tow.
Neighborhoods served: The Loop, River North, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Hyde Park, Evanston, Naperville. If your address falls outside these areas but inside the broader Chicago metro, we still cover you — call us to confirm.
How pickup works in Chicago
Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will counties + Chicagoland.
Our towing partner network is contracted in every metro and most rural areas. We dispatch the local tow company based on your specific address — you don't need to coordinate anything beyond signing the title at pickup. Standard pickup timeline is 2-3 business days from when you call.
Tax deduction for Chicago donors
Cars Helping Kids is a Georgia 501(c)(3) charity. Donors from anywhere in the US (including Illinois) qualify for the federal charitable tax deduction. Your deduction equals the actual sale price of your vehicle at auction, documented on IRS Form 1098-C which we email to you within 30-45 days of pickup.
Illinois state tax interaction: most states that have an income tax conform to federal charitable deduction rules. If Illinois has a state income tax and you itemize federally, the deduction also flows to your state return. Illinois residents should consult a tax preparer for specifics.
What vehicles we accept in Chicago
We accept cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, RVs, boats, jet skis, ATVs, and select commercial vehicles — running or not, with or without clean title (varies by state). Even severely damaged vehicles (flood, fire, accident) are accepted; they sell at salvage auction.
What we typically can't accept: vehicles where the cost to tow exceeds the salvage value (very rare for any vehicle within Chicago metro), commercial vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVW, or anything stripped down to the frame.
Ready to donate in Chicago?
60-second form, free pickup typically within 2-3 business days, IRS tax receipt emailed after sale. Real person answering the phone Mon–Fri 10am–5pm ET.