How to Donate a Wheelchair: Organizations Making a Difference

Donating a wheelchair, whether manual or power, can be a life-changing gift for someone needing greater mobility and independence. If you’re wondering who takes wheelchair donations or how to ensure your donation reaches those who truly need it, many organizations are ready to help. From national charities to local nonprofits, these groups refurbish and distribute wheelchairs and other mobility aids to people who can’t afford them. Beyond simply finding a new home for a used wheelchair, these donations make an incredible impact by giving recipients a newfound sense of freedom and the ability to participate more fully in their communities.

Why Donating Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids is Impactful

Donating a wheelchair or mobility aid can change someone’s life by providing newfound independence, dignity, and access. Wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive devices can be costly, making them out of reach for many individuals who could greatly benefit. For someone unable to afford such equipment, a donated wheelchair can mean the freedom to move, work, or engage socially.

When individuals receive access to mobility aids, their quality of life improves dramatically. They may experience less pain from unsafe or unsuitable equipment and a boost in self-esteem as they gain greater independence. For families, receiving a donated wheelchair alleviates financial strain, allowing them to allocate resources toward other essential needs. Charities distributing mobility aids work closely with communities to ensure each donation has a positive, sustainable impact.

9 Organizations Who Take Wheelchair Donations

Donating is a powerful way to improve someone’s independence, but there are a few best practices to remember. First, check the condition of the equipment; most organizations require that items be in good working order, free from major wear or damage. Contact the organization beforehand to confirm any specific guidelines, as some accept only certain types of equipment or may have restrictions based on the wheelchair’s age and model. Many charities offer tax-deductible receipts for donations, so be sure to request one if you plan to claim a deduction. Finally, consider the impact you’d like your donation to have—some organizations operate locally, while others focus on global needs. By following these tips, you can ensure that your donation reaches the people who will benefit most.

Goodwill Home Medical Equipment

• Location: Bellmawr, New Jersey
• What They Accept: Goodwill Home Medical accepts gently used medical equipment, including wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and scooters.
• How to Donate: They offer drop-off locations, and donations are refurbished and sold at affordable prices to those in need.
• Why Donate Here: Goodwill Home Medical helps people access affordable medical equipment, extending the lifespan of donated items.

Changing Hands Equipment Reuse Program (UCP Central PA)

• Location: Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
• What They Accept: This program collects manual and power wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and other assistive devices.
• How to Donate: They accept items in functional condition and then make them available to those who need them at low or no cost.
• Why Donate Here: Changing Hands focuses on helping local individuals with disabilities by providing free or low-cost equipment.

Joni and Friends – Wheels for the World

• Location: Nationwide
• What They Accept: Primarily manual wheelchairs, which inmates in correctional facilities refurbish, then distributed worldwide.
• How to Donate: Donation centers across the US collect the equipment, which is refurbished and distributed to needy countries.
• Why Donate Here: This program not only provides wheelchairs but also promotes global mobility, especially in underserved areas, making it a powerful choice for donors seeking a worldwide impact.

Global Mobility USA

• Location: Nationwide
• What They Accept: They accept a range of mobility aids, including wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and canes.
• How to Donate: Donations can be shipped or dropped off at designated locations.
• Why Donate Here: Global Mobility USA focuses on increasing mobility worldwide and works with charitable partners to distribute donated items to those most in need.

Project CURE.

• Location: Nationwide
• What They Accept: Project CURE accepts wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and other medical equipment.
• How to Donate: They operate donation centers across the US where you can drop off items or arrange for shipping.
• Why Donate Here: Project CURE distributes medical equipment globally, especially in communities with limited access to healthcare resources, amplifying the impact of your donation.

Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC)

• Location: Georgia
• What They Accept: FODAC provides wheelchairs, walkers, and other medical equipment at little or no cost.
• How to Donate: Donors can drop off items at their Georgia facility, and FODAC refurbishes and distributes the items to people with disabilities in the community.
• Why Donate Here: FODAC focuses on helping local families in need, with a commitment to supporting independent living for those with disabilities.

Wheels of Mercy

• Location: California
• What They Accept: This organization collects used wheelchairs, refurbishes them, and distributes them to needy people.
• How to Donate: Donations are accepted by arrangement; contacting them directly to confirm donation details is best.
• Why Donate Here: Wheels of Mercy focuses on local impact and works to provide low-cost or free mobility options within the community.

American Red Cross

• Location: Nationwide
• What They Accept: Some local American Red Cross chapters accept donations of medical equipment, including wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches.
• How to Donate: It’s advisable to check with your local chapter, as donation policies may vary.
• Why Donate Here: The Red Cross is a trusted organization that often supports immediate, critical community needs.

Local Loan Closets

• Location: Various
• What They Accept: Many local loan closets accept medical equipment, including wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, etc.
• How to Donate: Loan closets are typically community-based, so check with local hospitals, senior centers, or community organizations to locate one near you.
• Why Donate Here: Loan closets provide free or low-cost medical equipment rentals, offering immediate support to needy residents.

Other Options for Disposing of Wheelchairs and Medical Equipment

If your medical devices aren’t in suitable shape or if you cannot locate an organization who takes wheelchair donations nearby, other disposal methods are available. Recycling facilities that handle durable medical equipment can often break down wheelchairs for parts, ensuring that metal, plastic, and electronic components are recycled responsibly. Some local municipalities offer recycling programs specifically for bulky medical items, so check with local waste management services. Another option is selling the wheelchair or mobility aid online through platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, allowing someone else to benefit from it while covering personal expenses.

Conclusion

Donating a wheelchair or other mobility aid is an impactful way to support someone’s independence and enhance their quality of life. Knowing who takes wheelchair donations helps ensure these essential items reach individuals who will benefit most, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Whether you donate through a large organization, a local charity, or even a recycling program, giving a second life to mobility aids is a meaningful act of kindness that can truly make a difference. Consider exploring these options to share the gift of mobility today.