Donated wheelchairs are restored and gifted to people with disabilities around the world
Joni and Friends, the leading global ministry serving people impacted by disability, has designated March as Wheelchair Collection Month to bring awareness to the mobility crisis around the world.
More than 70 million people worldwide are in need of a lightweight transport chair, yet only 10% have access to one. Throughout the month of March, Joni and Friends is hosting a nationwide campaign to collect wheelchairs and other mobility devices for their Wheels for the World program. Wheelchair drives are taking place across the country, culminating with an event hosted by the Joni and Friends Headquarters in Southern California on March 29th.
“The need for wheelchairs is immense,” said Jason Holden, Director of Wheels for the World at Joni and Friends. “Tens of thousands of wheelchairs are thrown out each year across the United States, while more than 70 million people around the world are in need of one. In less-resourced countries, a person with limited mobility is often relegated to a back bedroom with no access to attend school, go to work, or be part of their community. But the gift of a wheelchair changes everything – a wheelchair literally lifts someone out of the dirt and into a seat of dignity and opportunity.”
The Joni and Friends Wheels for the World program was founded by Joni Eareckson Tada in 1994. By the close of 2019, Joni and Friends will have provided more than 165,000 wheelchairs and Bibles to people impacted by disability around the globe. This month, the ministry is encouraging everyone to donate used manual wheelchairs and other mobility devices to Wheels for the World for a tax-deductible receipt. Donated items will be restored to like-new condition and distributed by a team of physical therapists to people who could otherwise never afford a wheelchair.
“We hope Wheelchair Collection Month will bring more awareness to the mobility crisis around the world. Instead of ending in a landfill, a wheelchair can be donated, restored, and given to someone in desperate need. Right in your community, you can make a difference. Get involved by bringing a wheelchair to a local wheelchair drive or join our team of volunteers to help collect wheelchairs around your community,” Holden concluded.
If you are not able to attend a wheelchair drive, Joni and Friends will gladly accept your mobility device donation at any time. For more information about wheelchair donations or to arrange a donation drop-off or pick-up, please visit www.wheelsfortheworld.org or call 818-707-5664.
Joni and Friends accepts donations of the following mobility devices:
- Manual wheelchairs
- Aluminum walkers
- Crutches and canes
- Wheelchair parts such as footrests, trays, and seat cushions
About Joni and Friends: For 40 years, Joni and Friends has provided the hope of the Gospel and practical resources to people impacted by disability around the globe. Life-affirming programs include Wheels for the World, distributing restored wheelchairs in developing nations; Family Retreats, respite in a camp setting for families impacted by disability; the Christian Institute on Disability, training and policy center for issues related to disability; and church ministry training. Joni and Friends also delivers inspirational media via radio, television, and podcasts. To find out more, visit www.joniandfriends.org.
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