Joni and Friends Wheelchair Drive to be Held on March 29th
Donated wheelchairs are restored and gifted to people with disabilities around the world
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Agoura Hills, CA – March 4, 2019: Joni and Friends, the leading global ministry serving people impacted by disability (headquartered in Agoura Hills), is holding a local Wheelchair Drive as part of their annual Wheelchair Collection Month.
More than 70 million people around the world are in need of a wheelchair, yet only 10% have access to one. Joni and Friends is bringing awareness to the mobility crisis during March through nationwide collection events that encourage the donation of wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
“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 local Joni and Friends Wheelchair Drive will be hosted on March 29th from 4pm-6pm at Lighthouse Church in Newbury Park. The community is invited to donate used manual wheelchairs and other mobility devices to the Joni and Friends Wheels for the World program. Tax-deductible donated items will be restored to like-new condition and distributed by a team of physical therapists to people with disabilities around the world.
“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 here in the Conejo Valley, you can make a difference. Get involved by bringing a wheelchair to our Wheelchair Drive or joining our team of volunteers to help collect wheelchairs around the community,” Holden concluded.
If you are not able to attend the Wheelchair Drive on March 29th, Joni and Friends will gladly accept your mobility device donation at any time. For more information about the event or to arrange a donation drop-off or pick-up, please contact a local Joni and Friends Chair Corps volunteer at vcwheelchairs@gmail.com or 805-622-9389.
Joni and Friends will accept tax-deductible donations of the following mobility devices:
- Manual wheelchairs
- Aluminum walkers
- Crutches and canes
- Wheelchair parts such as footrests, trays, and seat cushions
- New crutch and armpit pads, hand grips, and foot tips
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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Contact:
Carlie Sullivan
Manager of PR and Marketing Services, Joni and Friends
818-575-1720
pr@joniandfriends.org
