We were told that by collecting can tags we could help in the purchase of a wheelchair.  Could you let me know if it is true or not and, if it is, which organization must I contact to donate the tags?  We have the possibility, as an office, to collect a lot of tags.  If it is worth it, we would like to help by donating these tags. 

Nathalie
Québec

Answer:

We looked into this. Unfortunately, it looks like it’s an urban legend. Snopes.com has an interesting entry on the phenomenon. No one seems to know how the rumor started – a cruel hoax, perhaps? – but it’s widespread; aluminum and recycling companies frequently receive queries about the non-existent program. Some groups have occasionally tried to put the rumor into real effect – collected tabs for their wholesale value – but the amount paid on pull tabs is so small, it hardly merits the effort.

Question: Our ministry is in need of information on how to get wheelchairs donated to us? Can you please assist me with locating organizations that can assist us? ~Pastor William

Answer: There are various groups and organizations that collect donated wheelchairs or monetary donations to help out the needy. If you can't find any of these groups in your local area you may be able to find some of them by searching on the internet. You can also let your area residents know that you are in need of donated wheelchairs. You could perhaps put a small ad in the local newspaper or in the classified section of a magazine. Ask your local radio station if they could help you out by announcing, on air, that you are looking for wheelchairs. You may also want to try some of the medical associations in your area such as hospitals, old age homes and clinics. There's a good chance that some of these places may have some older or used wheelchairs that are still in good condition or that could be used with some minor repairs. Most people will donate their items, time and efforts to help out a good cause.