Here’s the honest timeline: in Greater New Orleans, Crescent Wheels can typically pick up your donated car within 24–48 hours of your first call or online form. After pickup, your vehicle is sent to auction or a direct buyer. Once it sells—usually within 2–6 weeks—we mail your IRS acknowledgment or Form 1098‑C within 30 days. That means most New Orleans donors see their tax paperwork arrive about 2–8 weeks from the moment they first reach out.
The process is fast and local. You start with a 2‑minute form or phone call. Within 1–2 business hours on weekdays, a Crescent Wheels coordinator calls you to schedule towing anywhere in Greater New Orleans—from Lakeview, Gentilly, and the Bywater to Metairie, Gretna, Harvey, Kenner, and the Westbank. Tow trucks run Monday through Saturday, often with same‑day or next‑day pickup, even for non‑running or flood‑damaged cars. There’s no inspection, no repairs, and no paperwork runs to the DMV. You hand over the keys and title, we handle the rest, and Heritage for the Blind receives vital support from your donated vehicle.
Your complete donation timeline
Start your donation (2-minute call or form)
About 2 minutesShare your contact info, vehicle details, and pickup address anywhere in Greater New Orleans—Uptown, Mid‑City, the French Quarter, Algiers, Metairie, Kenner, and beyond. It takes about two minutes, and that’s all we need to start the process and lock in your donation date for tax purposes.
Scheduling call from your local coordinator
1–2 business hours on weekdaysWithin 1–2 hours during weekday business hours, a Crescent Wheels coordinator calls to confirm your info and set your tow time. We work around your schedule, with morning, afternoon, and early evening slots available across Greater New Orleans, from the Northshore to the Westbank.
Free towing and pickup in New Orleans
Same-day to 2 business daysOur tow partner meets you at home, work, or a shop—often the same day, and typically within 24–48 hours. The driver handles loading, you sign a simple release, and your driveway or curb in New Orleans, Metairie, or Gretna is clear in minutes. Non‑running cars are absolutely fine.
Transport and sale of your donated vehicle
Typically 2–6 weeks after pickupYour car is transported to auction or a direct buyer best suited for its condition. Market demand and vehicle type affect timing, but most New Orleans donations are sold in about 2–6 weeks. Proceeds then go to Heritage for the Blind to support people who are blind or visually impaired.
Tax paperwork mailed to you
Within 30 days of sale (2–8 weeks total)After the sale, Crescent Wheels issues your written IRS acknowledgment or Form 1098‑C within 30 days. Most donors receive their tax paperwork in the mail about 2–8 weeks from their first contact—well in time for filing, especially if your pickup was confirmed by December 31.
Why the process is genuinely fast
2-minute start from anywhere in Greater New Orleans
You can begin your donation during a coffee break. Use our fast online form or a quick call, share a few details, and you’re done. That brief step is all it takes to trigger scheduling and get your car on the pickup calendar.
Same-day or 24–48 hour pickup in most areas
In many parts of Greater New Orleans—from Uptown and Lakeview to Metairie and Kenner—we can often get a tow truck to you the same day, and typically within 24–48 hours, depending on when you contact us and local truck availability.
Monday–Saturday tow truck dispatch
We dispatch tow trucks six days a week, Monday through Saturday, so you don’t have to wait for a specific day. That flexibility helps us clear your driveway fast and match your work, school, or parade route schedule around New Orleans life.
Non-running or damaged cars welcome
Your vehicle does not need to run or even start. Flood damage, mechanical issues, and failed inspections are all okay. Our tow partners are equipped to winch and load non‑running cars, so you still get free pickup and a potential tax deduction.
No inspection, repairs, or DMV trips required
You don’t have to fix anything or chase paperwork at the DMV. As long as you have the title (or tell us if you don’t), Crescent Wheels and our partners handle the logistics so you can donate quickly and stay out of New Orleans traffic.