The ALS Association Connecticut Chapter
Durable Medical Equipment: Donations
The ALS Association Connecticut Chapter (ALSA CT) accepts new and gently used donated Durable Medical Equipment (DME). As of September 2018, ALSA CT can only accept returned and donated items from families registered with the Chapter, due to limited space in inventory. ALSA CT cannot accept DME donations from the general public at this time.
It is strongly advised that donors check the items they are donating for stickers that may indicate specific vendors items should be returned to. In some cases, DME is provided by insurance on a rental basis and donors should be mindful not to donate items they may not have ownership of.
Please note: ALSA CT will provide an acknowledgement letter to donors for tax purposes once donations are retrieved. ALSA CT is unable to provide appraisal value for donations and an appraisal value is not included on donors’ acknowledgement letters. For more information please contact your tax advisor prior to donating DME. You can also visit the IRS website for FAQ’s regarding charitable donations.
Please view the lists of items below that indicate which DME the ALSA CT loan closet can accept and items the loan closet cannot accept. If ALSA CT cannot accept an item, staff will try to provide you with alternative organizations that may accept the donation. If you are interested in moving forward with a DME donation, please email equipment@alsact.org, or call 203-874-5050. Arrangements can be made with ALSA CT DME vendors for pick-up or drop-off depending on the location and type of DME.
*Items NOT Accepted and/or Not Currently Needed: Respiratory Equipment (non-invasive ventilation, suction machines, cough assists), Feeding Tube Formula, Used Commodes/Raised Toilet Seats, Adult Diapers, 2 wheel walkers (silver), Canes, IV Poles, Fabric Recliner Lift Chairs
If you would like to donate a communication device, please contact ALSA CT for more information.
*Items Accepted and Currently Needed in New or Gently Used Condition:
If donating powered equipment, please be sure the batteries are in good condition and there is a usable charger.
- Manual, Transport or Power Wheelchairs, Travel Scooters, Rollator Walkers (4 Wheels)
- Rolling Shower Chairs, Shower Chairs, Tub Benches, Sliding Tub Benches
- Stair Lifts (only specific models accepted, please contact ALSA CT for more info)
- Electric Sit to Stand and patient floor (hoyer) lifts. Unable to accept used slings
- Hospital / Adjustable Tray Tables
- Portable ramps and EX Access or American Access brand modular ramp
- Transfer Items: Pivot Discs, Transfer Boards, Beasy Boards, Gait Belts
- Full and semi electric hospital beds and air mattress can be donated through our partnership with The Hospital Bed Project
If ALSA CT is unable to accept your donation the below organizations may be able to assist:
Charlie's Closet, Guilford, CT
203-453-8356
Wheel It Forward, Stamford, CT
203-652-8600
Orphan Grain Train, Terryville, CT
860-582-0723
Some towns have their own community medical loan closets- reach out to your local support services for more information.