Vehicles for Vision

Vehicles for Vision was formed in 1986 as an effort to raise money for CABVI. On the first day, six cars were donated. Since then, thousands of cars passed through CABVI's hands and contributed to programs and services for the blind and visually impaired.

Vehicles for Vision accepts donations within a 35-mile radius of the greater Utica and Syracuse areas.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re considering donating a vehicle to CABVI:

• It does not matter if your vehicle is running, although it’s nice if it is. All the parts have to be there – radio, radiator, battery, engine, transmission, all body parts in their original place, all the glass intact, all four tires inflated. Body rust and minor accident damage are OK.
• You must have a clear title – or in lieu of a clear title, a title, and an original lien release. We will need at least one set of keys for the door and ignition.
• You must record the EXACT mileage on a separate sheet of paper and write directions to the location where we can retrieve the car.
• We also require the social security number of the donor. This is due to tax law requirements.
• We request that you bring this material to the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired at 507 Kent Street in Utica. Please try to avoid regular mail.
• Many donors ask about tax benefits. Congress changed the law in 2005 concerning the donation of vehicles. The majority of vehicle donations receive a $499 tax write-off. We work with a local repair facility that recycles the parts from the vehicle and in return, we receive a small percentage of that. If we sell your vehicle for $500 or more, we are required by law to send an IRS Form 1098-C to you within 30 days of the sale. The 1098-C will contain the sale price and you can write that off of your taxes. If your vehicle sells for less than $500, you can write off a fair market value up to $499 without any additional paperwork.
• After you submit your paperwork, and we give you your receipt, we will be happy to arrange for the pickup of your vehicle. You will need to remove the license plates from the vehicle. The drivers are not employees of Vehicles for Vision or the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. They will not provide any paperwork when they arrive to get your car.