Wheelchairs are an essential mobility aid for many people, including the elderly, those with limited mobility and even those recovering from an injury. They come in all shapes, sizes and many different models allowing you the option to choose one that suits your requirements and budget.
Not everyone can afford a good quality wheelchair due to many reasons, including financial constraints. In fact, there are over 75 million people who need wheelchairs but are unable to purchase one. If you have a wheelchair, walker or other mobility aids lying idle, think about donating them to those who need them. Doing so will not only help clear up storage space for you but also help those who desperately need them to lead an active, healthy lifestyle.
Right now you may be wondering where to donate wheelchairs and walkers near me. In this article, we list down some of the many organizations that accept donations for medical equipment and help them find a new home where they are desperately required.
Where to Donate Wheelchairs and Walkers Near Me
Wheels of Hope
Wheels of Hope is a charitable organization that collects used wheelchairs, mobility aids and other medical equipment that can improve the quality of life for underprivileged individuals who need them. They operate via a network of local churches and distribute mobility aids and medical equipment to disabled individuals in developing or underprivileged countries.
They also have a network of wheelchair and mobility aid repair centres where they train disabled individuals on how to repair wheelchairs and provide them with employment. If you have any medical equipment for people with limited mobility, reach out to Wheels of Hope today to make a donation.
MED-EQ USA
MED-EQ is a local charity that too collects mobility aids and then distributes them among the underprivileged individuals who need them. The organization operates only within the United States, making donating a little easier.
You can reach out to the organization today to discuss the terms and conditions and the donation procedure. Depending on your location, you can either mail the donation or have a representative from MED-EQ collect it from your house. You can visit their website to learn more about the program and get a list of accepted donations.
Joni&Friends
Joni&Friends is an organization similar to Wheels of Hope. The organization runs a program called Wheels for the World, through which it collects wheelchairs and distributes it among disabled individuals in developing countries. Under the programs, you can donate all types of wheelchairs, including manual, electric-powered, lightweight, heavy-duty and even transport chairs.
You can also donate different mobility aids such as canes, crutches, or walkers. The charity also accepts different wheelchair parts including footrests, wheelchair cushions, trays, spare wheels and more. You can visit their website to find out more about the program and get a list of mobility aids they accept donations of.
The Salvation Army
Donate wheelchairs to veterans through the Salvation Army's veteran, children, and disabled community's support program. The charitable organization runs multiple programs geared toward helping individuals improve their quality of life, including rehabilitation center, a shelter and various other programs for the underprivileged to help them make ends meet.
If you want your wheelchair to be put to a good cause, the Salvation Army is the organization to donate to. It runs multiple programs so you can rest assured that your donation will continue to make a difference in one way or the other and continue to improve lives.
You can read more about the organization and its services by visiting their website. They have a detailed page listing the ways you can donate to the charity. They also have a separate page for those who want to donate goods to the organization. The organization has a very functional operating model. You can either opt for the free pickup option or choose a drop-off location.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is one of the most renowned relief organizations in the world. It has a huge network of volunteers and an even bigger number of people on its relief recipient list. Though the Red Cross network is global, it operates on a decentralized model.
The American Red Cross accepts donations in various shapes and forms including household goods, medical equipment and mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers. They also run a very efficient donation collection process called Green Drop. You can either pack your donations and drop it off at one of the Green Drop locations or arrange a free pickup.
To find out more about what the organization accepts as a donation and learn more about their services and operational mechanism, visit their website. If you are sure you want to donate to the organization, you can directly schedule a pickup as well.
Find a Wheelchair Donation Program Near You
If you are still unsure of which organization you want to donate to, you can always browse for available wheelchair donation programs near you. Block Imaging is a website that allows you to browse for donation programs by State so you can find one you like.
The website also lists down multiple national-level organizations that accept wheelchair donations.
Make a Difference
Mobility aids make a huge difference in the life of an individual with limited mobility. It can improve their quality of life and help them partake in activities they may not be able to otherwise. In many developing countries, many disabled children find themselves bed-bound, unable to attend school, church or go out because of the lack of availability of good quality mobility aids. Mentioned below are a few types of wheelchairs you can donate.
Standard Wheelchairs
Most probably the picture that pops into your head when you think wheelchairs is that of a standard wheelchair. It has two small wheels in the front and two large ones at the back as it doubles as a manual wheelchair. They are the kind of wheelchairs you see at hospitals and are created and marketed mostly for commercial use.
Transport Wheelchairs
As the name clearly suggests, transport wheelchairs are used to transport the patient from one place to another. They are more like seats with wheels and footrests. Because the wheels are small, you cannot use a transport chair manually and will require a caregiver to push the chair for you. These chairs also feature additional safety fittings, such as a seat belt or handbrakes that the caregiver has access to.
Bariatric/Heavy Duty Wheelchairs
Most standard wheelchairs come with a maximum weight capacity of 300 to 350lbs. Anyone over that needs to invest in a heavy-duty or bariatric wheelchair. It is made of sturdier material, features a wider seat and is designed to cater to people suffering from obesity. Because they cater to people with slightly heavier frames, heavy-duty wheelchairs weigh quite bit more than average wheelchairs.
Lightweight Wheelchairs
As the name suggests, their low weight is the main selling point for these wheelchairs. They are designed with portability in mind and are super comfortable to carry. They are usually very compact and are easier to push or use manually (self-propel).
Electric Powered Wheelchairs
An electric-powered wheelchair uses a rechargeable battery and a motor that powers the wheels. It features a remote control usually in the form of a joystick that allows the user full control of the vehicle providing them complete independence.
Your donations can help them lead a somewhat normal life and engage with their peers on a daily basis. In our article, we have tried to answer the question, where to donate wheelchairs and walkers near me in detail. Your donation can make a huge difference in someone's life, so don't hesitate and donate to a worthy cause today.
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