Since 2015, Veteran Car Donations has helped communities across the country support veterans and their families through simple car donations. On this page, you’ll learn how our San Mateo, California car donation program works, the benefits of donating, the types of vehicles we accept, and how the profit from your donation helps local veterans. Whether you’re donating to give back or clear out space, your vehicle can be used to fund life-changing services for vets. Call 877-594-5822 today to find out how easy it is to get started.
What We Do to Help Our Veterans
Our veterans risked everything to protect our nation. Many spent years in dangerous conditions, sacrificing their safety to keep us secure. In return, they deserve support beyond what government programs can provide.
At Veteran Car Donations, we work tirelessly to give our veterans and their families a better future. We partner with several certified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, such as:
- Eagle’s Watch Foundation
- Got Your Back Network
- Homes for Our Troops
- Soldiers’ Angels
- Serving Veterans Inc.
Here are some of the services that will be delivered to veterans in San Mateo County through your car donations:
- Job training and mentoring programs
- Building mortgage-free, specially adapted housing for those who were severely injured in combat
- Mental health services for them and/or their families
- Education scholarships and tutoring support
- Raising public awareness on the difficult issues that our returning troops and veterans face
Every donation you make stays local, helping veterans right in your community receive the support they deserve.
Benefits of Working with Veteran Car Donations
Choose Veteran Car Donations for a simple, stress-free experience. When you donate your car through our San Mateo program, you not only help local veterans — you also enjoy great perks as our way of saying thanks.
- Receive a maximized tax deduction for your contribution
- Have your car towed for free
- Stop paying for your car’s repairs, maintenance, and insurance coverage
- No need to go through the hassles of selling or negotiating
- Declutter your garage or driveway
- Have a joyful feeling, knowing that the car you donated will help our former soldiers readjust to a normal civilian life
Regardless of where you live in San Mateo (Baywood Park, Highlands, Hillsdale, Sugarloaf, etc.), we’re ready to pick up your vehicle.
Our Quick and Easy Car Donation Process
Donating your car in San Mateo is quick and effortless. Just follow these three easy steps:
- Get in touch with us.
Call 877-594-5822 or fill out our simple online form to get started. Just share a few basic details about your car (make, model, condition, mileage) and your contact information. - Schedule your 100 percent free towing.
We’ll arrange a free pickup with a local towing company at a time that works best for you. You don’t even need to be there. Once we collect your car, we’ll issue a donation receipt that releases you from all liabilities, letting you cancel your insurance and registration right away. - Receive your tax-deductible receipt.
After your car is sold at auction, we’ll mail you a 100% tax-deductible receipt showing its final sale price. Use this when filing your federal tax return to claim your deduction. If your car sells for less than $500, you can deduct its fair market value up to that amount. If it sells for more, you can claim the full selling price.
The Types of Vehicles We Accept for Donation
We at Veteran Car Donations accept nearly all types of vehicles for our San Mateo, California car donations. They include:
- Cars, SUVs, vans, motorcycles
- Fleet cars, buses, trucks
- Boats, sailboats, motorboats, personal watercraft
- Special vehicles like snowmobiles, golf carts, riding lawn mowers, and farm equipment
- ATVs, RVs, trailers, campers
- Non-commercial airplanes
We also accept most vehicles — even those that don’t run, have engine problems, or are missing parts. All you need is the vehicle title or proof of ownership. If you need help with paperwork or title issues, just call 877-594-5822, and our donation specialists will handle everything for you.
Beyond Donating, How Else Can I Help My Community?
Want to do even more to help veterans? Reach out to nearby organizations to ask about volunteer opportunities. There are several great places in San Mateo where you can make a difference.
The Menlo Park VA Medical Center (795 Willow Rd., Menlo Park) and the Palo Alto VA Medical Center (3801 Miranda Ave., Palo Alto) often need volunteers to help with events, activities, and patient support. Call either of them to learn how you can get involved.
You can also visit the Fallen Heroes Memorial in San Mateo, which honors local service members, firefighters, and police who gave their lives for our country. Volunteering (or just visiting) is a meaningful way to show your appreciation and support for veterans in your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can donating to Veteran Car Donations make your life easier?
When you donate your automobile, you’re giving directly to veterans in need. You’re also improving your own mental health. At no cost to you, we’ll come remove that old junk car that’s been in your driveway for years. We’ll help you reduce clutter and eliminate the expenses of owning a vehicle you no longer use. You’ll also feel the mood boost, empowerment, and fulfillment that come with making a charity auto donation.
Will veterans find relief if I donate my car for charity?
Take part in our automobile donation program, and you’ll help veterans receive essential services and solutions. You’ll take some stress off their shoulders, so they can focus on improving their overall well-being. If your vehicle is functioning well, it may become a reliable source of transportation for veterans, taking them to job interviews, medical appointments, and more.
We may also sell your old vehicle and use the earnings to help veterans with their financial needs. Your philanthropy serves as a meaningful way to support and say “thank you” to individuals who served in the U.S. military.
What types of cars do we accept?
Veteran Car Donations accepts nearly all types of vehicles from all companies. We encourage you to donate a truck, car, RV, boat, motorcycle, or specialty vehicle. The best type of vehicle to donate is one that’s clean and reliable. Charitable organizations can immediately use or sell these vehicles for a significant amount of money.
We understand you may want to donate a used automobile that no longer runs. We typically accept those, too. Vehicle donation processing is not possible for severely damaged cars with little remaining value.
We serve the entire region, including nearby Berkeley, Oakland, Palo Alto, San Francisco, San Jose, and more.
Veteran Car Donations operates in all 50 states.
Last Updated: November 11th, 2025