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Each year, an estimated 75,000 wheelchairs are thrown away in the United States, while 20 million people worldwide desperately need a wheelchair.

You can make a difference by providing the gift of mobility to disabled people in less-resourced countries. Wheels for the World, a ministry of Joni and Friends, provides a free wheelchair, along with the Gospel of Jesus Christ to children and adults affected by disability.

The First Baptist Church of Andalusia is holding a wheelchair drive on behalf of Wheels for the World throughout the month of October. The church will collect manual, adult, and pediatric wheelchairs and wheelchair footrests.

“We collect all year long, but Alabama has designated awareness for our wheelchair drive to be during October. We hope if you have a used or broken wheelchair, you would consider donating to Wheels for the World and bless a disabled person in need of mobility,” local coordinator Brenda Mooney said.

Through the donations of wheelchairs and financial generosity, 10,754 wheelchairs and Bibles were delivered through Joni and Friends and Wheels for the World outreaches in 2022. Every wheelchair fitted showed the visible love of Jesus to families struggling with disability.

“While we have insurance here in America, these citizens around other parts of the world are not as fortunate. The fact we come and boost their spirits makes a difference and brings smiles to their faces. It’s a win-win for everyone who is involved,” Mooney added.

All wheelchairs collected are transported to Wheels for the World Restoration Centers located in correctional facilities where inmates restore the wheelchairs to like-new condition. The wheelchairs are then shipped to less-resourced countries around the world. Teams made up of volunteer physical therapists and wheelchair mechanics then fit each wheelchair to an individual and provide training in the wheelchair’s maintenance.

Team members also present each individual with a Bible and the Gospel message. The gift of mobility and the hope of salvation will change the lives of these individuals and their families forever.

For more information e-mail Mooney at chaircorpsbrenda@gmail.com or call 334-343-8825. Learn more through the following website: joniandfriends.org/chair-corps. Tax-deductible receipts will be provided.