College Hunger
Promoting College Excellence through comprehensive Basic Needs Support. Serving Students From San Fernando Valley to Long Beach!
Donate your Car
Donate Your Car in Los Angeles — Turn Your Vehicle Into 15,000 Student Meals
How Your Donation Works
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Have a car, truck, boat, RV, or aircraft sitting unused? Donate it to Student LunchBox and put it to work feeding college students across Los Angeles County. Through our partnership with Careasy, donating your vehicle is fast, free, and fully handled for you — from pickup to tax paperwork.
One nonworking donated vehicle can provide more than 15,000 meals for students who are struggling to afford food while pursuing their degrees. That old car in your driveway isn't just taking up space — it's a lifeline waiting to happen.
Our service offers fast pickup within 24 Hrs. — Easy process and no paperwork for you. Donate your car today & we can pick it up tomorrow with a guaranteed maximum tax deduction.
It's that Simple!
How Your Car Donation Works (Step by Step)
We've partnered with Careasy to make vehicle donations in Los Angeles as simple as possible. Here's the entire process from start to finish:
Step 1: Click "Donate Your Car" below
You fill out Careasy's simple online form — it takes about 5 minutes. Provide your vehicle's year, make, model, and your contact information.
Step 2: Schedule free pickup
A Careasy representative will call you within 24 hours to arrange a pickup time that works for you. Pickup is completely free — in most Los Angeles County areas, same-day or next-day service is available.
Step 3: Hand over your keys.
The driver arrives at your location, takes the vehicle, and provides you with a pickup receipt. You don't need to be present for the entire process — just ensure the vehicle is accessible.
Step 4: Receive your tax receipt.
After your vehicle is sold at auction, Careasy sends you an IRS Form 1098-C documenting the sale price and your charitable contribution. This is your official tax deduction documentation.
Step 5: Your proceeds reach students.
The net proceeds from your vehicle sale are transferred to Student LunchBox and go directly toward feeding college students and providing essential supplies across our 17-campus network in Los Angeles.
No title? No running engine? No problem. Careasy accepts vehicles in most conditions — see our FAQ below for details.
What Vehicles Does Student LunchBox Accept?
Through Careasy, Student LunchBox accepts a wide range of vehicles for donation in the Los Angeles area, including cars and trucks (running or not), SUVs and minivans, motorcycles and scooters, RVs and motorhomes, boats and watercraft, trailers and campers, and aircraft and small planes.
Most vehicles are accepted regardless of condition. Running, non-running, high-mileage, or cosmetically damaged — if it has value at auction, we can accept it. For vehicles with outstanding liens or missing titles, Careasy's team can walk you through the options.
Why Donate Your Car to Student LunchBox?
There are many worthy organizations in Los Angeles that accept car donations. Here's why donating to Student LunchBox is different:
Your donation stays local.
Every dollar generated by your vehicle sale goes directly to college students in Los Angeles County — at campuses like UCLA, CSUN, CSU Long Beach, LA City College, and 13 other partner institutions. This is your community.
The impact is measurable.
One donated vehicle provides an average of more than 15,000 meals for food-insecure students. You can see exactly how your donation was used — we publish our full financial reports publicly at studentlunchbox.org/financial-information.
We are accountable.
Student LunchBox holds the Candid Platinum 2025 transparency rating — the highest available — meaning our finances are independently verified and publicly available. You know your vehicle donation is being used responsibly.
Free, fast, and fully handled.
Careasy handles everything: pickup scheduling, title transfer paperwork, auction, and tax documentation. You make one phone call or fill out one form — we handle the rest.
Your Tax Deduction — What You Need to Know
Your vehicle donation to Student LunchBox is tax-deductible. Here's how the deduction works under current IRS rules:
If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, your deduction is the actual sale price, and Careasy will send you IRS Form 1098-C documenting this amount. If your vehicle sells for $500 or less, you may deduct the fair market value (up to $500) or the gross proceeds, whichever applies under IRS Publication 4303.
Student LunchBox, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization (EIN: 85-2482031). All vehicle donations are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. We recommend consulting your tax advisor for questions specific to your return.
Frequently Asked Questions — Car Donations in Los Angeles
Q: Does my car need to be running to donate it?
No. Careasy accepts most non-running vehicles. As long as the vehicle has value at auction — even for parts — it qualifies for donation. If you're unsure, complete the Careasy form and their team will let you know.
Q: How quickly can you pick up my car?
In most areas of Los Angeles County and in other states, Careasy can arrange same-day or next-day pickup. After you complete the online form, you'll receive a call within 24 hours to schedule your preferred time.
Q: I don't have the title. Can I still donate?
In many cases, yes. Careasy's team can walk you through options for lost or missing titles depending on your state and vehicle type. Contact them directly if you're in this situation.
Q: What happens to my car after donation?
Your vehicle is sold at auction by Careasy's network. The net proceeds are transferred to Student LunchBox and used to fund food distributions and essential supplies for college students across Los Angeles.
Q: Can I donate a boat, RV, or aircraft?
Yes! Student LunchBox accepts boats, watercraft, RVs, motorhomes, trailers, and aircraft through the Careasy platform. The same free-pickup and tax-deduction process applies.
Q: How do I get my tax deduction documentation?
Careasy will send you IRS Form 1098-C after your vehicle is sold at auction. This form documents the gross proceeds and qualifies as your official tax deduction documentation. Keep this for your tax records.
Q: Is my donation fully tax-deductible?
Yes, within IRS limits. Student LunchBox is a 501(c)3 nonprofit (EIN: 85-2482031). Vehicle donations are tax-deductible under IRS Publication 4303. We recommend consulting your tax advisor for guidance specific to your situation.
Student LunchBox, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit (EIN: 85-2482031). Vehicle donations processed by Careasy. All donations are tax-deductible as permitted by law. See IRS Publication 4303 for details on vehicle donation deductions.