Virginia-area nonprofit Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment and Endowment (FREE) is collecting used medical equipment and mobility devices that can be refurbished and donated to others in need.
The items that are most in need include wheelchairs of all sizes, tub transfer benches, shower chairs, and rollator walkers with seats. Additional items include bedside commodes, raised toilet seats, working power chairs, and walkers. Hospital beds or oxygen supplies cannot be accepted.
Donations can be dropped off at most Goodwill store locations and collection sites throughout Virginia, except for in the Winchester area where items are collected at Blue Ridge Hospice. The equipment is then sent to FREE for refurbishment, cleaning, and distribution to its various chapters throughout the state, notes a media release from FREE.
“The good news is that more and more Virginians are becoming aware of our services, as evidenced by the increase in mobility equipment being provided,” explains Robin Ramsey, FREE’s executive director, in the release. “The challenge is that we need to keep the pipeline filled with donated wheelchairs, tub transfer benches, shower chairs, walkers, and other equipment.”
“Because of Virginians’ generosity in donating this equipment, those in need regain their mobility and independence, saving Virginia’s taxpayers millions of dollars annually,” she adds.
[Source(s): Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment and Endowment, PR Newswire]
