Donate Rehabilitative Equipment

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys and the Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment & Endowment (FREE) have developed a medical adaptive equipment recycling program to serve the Roanoke Valley community. The goal of the program is to help people with disabilities become more independent through the collection, recycling and distribution of mobility-related rehabilitative equipment. Greater mobility leads to functional independence and improved quality of life.

Goodwill retail stores are the collection point for donations of equipment. Donations are tax deductible and all donors will receive a receipt. The donated equipment will then be recycled through a process of sanitization, inspection and repairs. People with disabilities and disadvantages participating in Goodwill’s workforce development programs will perform the sanitization process while FREE will provide the technical staff to make any necessary equipment repairs. FREE will distribute the equipment to qualifying adults with medical and financial needs resulting from injuries or illnesses.

Your donations of gently used mobility-related equipment will not only provide a piece of needed equipment to an individual with a disability, but will also provide training and employment opportunities for Goodwill program participants.

For more information about the recycling program or to apply to receive an assistive device, contact FREE at:

P.O. Box 8873 Roanoke, VA 24014
(540) 777-4929
www.free-foundation.org

Mobility-related equipment needed*
power chairs
scooters
portable ramps
wheelchairs
tub benches
tub chairs
lift chairs
canes
toilet seats
bedside commodes
walkers

*The program cannot accept respiratory machines, communication devices, blood glucose monitors, lifts for vehicles, computers or other similar equipment.

SUCCESS STORY

George McAleer working out at YMCA on leg machine.

In 1985 George McAleer’s life changed. Having always led a very active lifestyle he was faced with the fact that he would live his life with a disease that would severely limit his activities: multiple sclerosis.

As the years went by, day to day activities, such as going to the gym or even the grocery store, became harder and harder. But thanks to the collaboration of FREE and Goodwill, George now has what he needs to continue to live the active lifestyle he was accustomed to prior to his diagnosis.

George has benefited from both a three-wheel walker and a cane. "FREE and Goodwill helped me obtain this equipment when I was in a tough spot in my life, one that I did not foresee 20 years ago. Physically, being able to exercise helps with elasticity, flexibility and endurance of my muscles. Psychologically, I have always been active and worked out and now I can continue thanks to these two organizations.”