How Do I Donate Rehabilitation Equipment?

From medical bandages and braces to wheelchairs and walkers, rehabilitation equipment can be expensive, and those who need it may not be able to afford it. You can donate gently used equipment and rehabilitation products (like creams, salves and medical wraps) within your community or to developing nations that need assistance. Donating the equipment can get you a tax deduction and does not take much time from start to finish. Choose the best method based on your time and interests.

Instructions

• 1

  Sort your rehabilitation materials into items that are sealed and boxed and items that are open. Most charities don't want open bottles of soap and sanitizer or half-used rolls of medical tape. Gently used rehabilitation items, like walkers, are different. If anything appears broken, do not donate it.

• 2

  Contact rehabilitation centers, churches, temples and senior centers near you to find out if there is a need within your community for used rehabilitation equipment. You may be able to supply a wheelchair, crutches or other piece of equipment to someone in your community who needs help. Follow the donation instructions given to donate locally.

• 3

  Give unopened or boxed items and used rehabilitation equipment to American Medical Resources Foundation. It tests all donated equipment and then donates the supplies to clinics in developing countries. Contact the American Medical Resources Foundation by telephone at 508-580-3301 to arrange a donation.

• 4

  Donate items to USAID's Denton Program, which allows individuals and organizations space on military cargo planes to transport medical equipment and other forms of aid. Contact the program by telephone first at 202-712-1181 to find out what materials are currently needed and how to complete the donation process.

• 5

  Drop off any remaining items to a local Goodwill or Salvation Army, including products that have been used.