After a loved one passes away or no longer needs care at home, many families are left with medical supplies and equipment, like wheelchairs, walkers, feeding tube supplies, adult diapers, and more. It can be hard to know what to do with these items. You don’t want to throw them away, but you may also feel overwhelmed by trying to find a place that will take them.
The good news is that many people could greatly benefit from those supplies, and your donation could make a significant difference. Here’s a simple guide with practical places to donate and ways to help.
What Can You Donate?
Most places accept things like:
Wheelchairs and walkers,
Hospital beds (manual or electric),
Canes, crutches, and shower chairs,
Adult briefs (unopened), gloves, under pads,
Feeding tube supplies (unopened),
Unopened wound care and hygiene items,
Oxygen tubing (unopened), CPAP/BiPAP supplies,
Blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, pulse oximeters.
Important Note: Items should be clean and in good working condition. Most places cannot take used syringes, opened medications, or damaged equipment.
Where Can You Donate?
Here are some helpful, real-life options:
1. Local Hospice or Home Health Agencies:
Ask the hospice team you worked with, they may accept supplies or know who will. Some hospice centers have donation closets or share with other patients in need.
2. Medical Supply Donation Centers:
Search for local programs like: Project C.U.R.E., MedShare, The ALS Association chapter near you, or Lions Club or Rotary Club medical closets.
Tip: Search online for “medical equipment donation near me” or “durable medical equipment recycling [your city/state].”
3. Churches and Community Centers:
Many churches, mosques, or temples have outreach programs for families in need. They may accept medical equipment or know families who could use it.
4. Facebook Marketplace, Buy Nothing, or Nextdoor:
Post for free in your local community groups. There are often caregivers or elderly neighbors in need who can’t afford equipment. This is a fast way to give directly to someone who needs it.
5. Nonprofits That Serve People with Disabilities:
Look up local centers for independent living, senior centers, or organizations that help people with disabilities—they often accept or need items for clients.
6. Veterans Groups:
Contact the VA or local veterans’ organizations. They often help older or disabled veterans get equipment at no cost.
7. Hospitals or Free Clinics:
Some hospital foundations or free community clinics provide certain supplies for low-income patients.
8. International Aid Groups:
If you’re willing to mail or drop off donations:
Project C.U.R.E. – www.projectcure.org
Global Links – www.globallinks.org
MedShare – www.medshare.org
These groups send medical supplies to communities in need around the world.
What Not to Donate?
Most donation sites cannot take:
Opened medications
Used syringes or needles
Items with blood or bodily fluids
Broken equipment
Anything expired or unsafe
Tip: When in doubt, call them and ask first.
Final Thoughts:
Your Extra Supplies Can Be Someone’s Lifeline!
It might seem like a small thing, an unopened box of gloves, a gently used walker, but for someone without insurance or resources, it can be life-changing. Donating unused medical supplies is a simple, powerful way to turn your loved one’s care into someone else’s comfort.
Even in grief, you’re making a difference.
