Anyone who is physically disabled well understands the absolute need for wheelchair donations for similarly disabled persons. Unfortunately, many physically disabled persons are without proper resources to purchase the needed wheelchairs and assistance. So how can we help?

Organizations worldwide are involved in projects to provide free wheelchairs to persons with disabilities who are not able to afford a wheelchair on their own. By helping such people through cash or wheelchair donations, you can bring a smile to their faces by making their lives just a tad easy.

They need it!

There are over 100 million physically disabled persons worldwide. And there are many others living in the "forgotten" parts of the world. All these have people are disabled due to different reasons such as accidents, birth defects, war injuries, disease, or old age. There are scads of people who have been disabled due to landmines and unexploded ordinance. According the World Health Organization, landmines around the world injure over 29,000 people every year. This number does not take into account unreported cases or deaths caused by the explosions.

The bottom line is that whatever may be the reason behind their disability, all of them need wheelchairs. The greatest need being in developing countries, for it is estimated that the need for wheelchairs in these countries will increase by 22 percent over the next 10 years.

In fact, in developing countries, where the need is most pronounced, these persons are currently bedridden, or get around by using their arms to propel them from place to place. Don't these people deserve the dignity of being able to move around their homes and communities with ease? Of course they do; and you can help.

Through programs such as the Wheelchair Foundation, run all over the world; you may donate wheelchairs to be sent to several countries outside the U.S. The foundation, however, does not deliver individual chairs, but sends bulk containers to different regions.

Other organizations such as Chariots of Hope, Direct Relief International, and Hope Alliance International are all non-profit organizations that work internationally and receive donations for used wheelchair equipment. Unlike, the Wheelchair Foundation that ships large orders to general areas, these organizations attempt to cater for individual recipients. In many cases, when you donate a wheelchair, the organization will refurbish the used chair and then ship it to a child or adult in need.

All these organizations need your help to help the disabled. You can help the disabled improve the quality of their life and add that zip to their crippled movements. And won't you enjoy adding some years to their life and adding life to those years.

About the Author

Katya Coen provides information on wheelchairs and other donating wheelchairs topics for A1 Market - the guide for the Savvy Shopper.