2015 Press Release

2015 All-Iowa Wheels for the World Initiates Donation Drive

The All-Iowa Wheels for the World (AIWFTW) will conduct its 2015 mobility device collection drive on Friday and Saturday, April 10^th and 11^th.  This will be the fifth state-wide drive since 1999, which has yielded a total of 3,284 wheelchairs sent for restoration and then on mission trips for world-wide distribution by Joni and Friends, the Wheels for the World international organization.

The following items will be collected:

• Manual wheelchairs                                                               -     Aluminum crutches and canes
• Foldable walkers                                                     -     Any parts related to these items

These items are much needed, and donation drop sites will be located in cities and towns throughout Iowa.  A list of these drop sites can be found at: http://www.iowawftw.org    Receipts will be provided for wheelchair donations.

Wheelchair Restoration

After the wheelchairs and other mobility devices are collected, they are transferred to one of 15 correctional facilities in 12 states, where trained prison inmates restore them to “like-new” condition.  Inmates learn to work together, perform basic mechanical skills, and produce a product of which they can be proud.

Monetary Donations- may also be made in two categories:

1. Restoration donations- any amount is appreciated to assist in defraying the $150 cost of restoring and delivering each wheelchair.

Checks should be made payable to “Joni and Friends” with “Wheels for the World restoration” on the memo line.

2. Scholarship donations- Monies donated are used to help fund a Doctor of Physical Therapy student in the state of Iowa to join a 1-2 week overseas mission trip to an underdeveloped country. Students are selected based on an application process, and will work as wheelchair fitters and trainers.

Checks should be made payable to “Joni and Friends” with “Wheels for the World Iowa Scholarship” on the memo line.

All monetary donations should be sent to:

Wheels for the World

c/o Midwest One Bank

Attn: Dirk Ockerlander

1906 Keokuk Street

Iowa City, IA  52240

Joni and Friends is a nonprofit organization.  Contributions are tax deductible.  A receipt will be sent to the writer of the check.

For further information, visit the AIWFTW website at http://www.iowawftw.org  and see us on YouTube at http://youtu.be/whxtpxuZHpA

Questions about donations and drop-off sites: Jan Lamm (jlamm2011@yahoo.com) or 319-551-2576.
All other questions can be directed to: John Barr at BarrJohnO@sau.edu or 319-541-3213