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Knights of Columbus Donate 70 Wheelchairs to Veterans

Members of the DC Knights of Columbus helped to set up wheelchairs they donated to the Washington DC VA Medical Center on Sept. 15, 2022.

The DC Knights of Columbus delivered the freedom of movement to Veterans receiving care at the Washington DC VA Medical Center on Sept. 15, 2022, through a donation of 70 wheelchairs.

The donation was originally scheduled to be delivered last November, but the pandemic’s impact on the shipping industry held them up. To ensure the wheelchairs arrived in time for the Sept. 15 delivery date, the DC Knights rented a truck and drove to New York City to pick them up personally.

“We left for New York at about 6 a.m. and didn’t make it back to DC until midnight on the day the delivery was due to the VA,” said the DC Knights of Columbus, President of Charities, George Hanna. “It was a long day but that is how dedicated we are to supporting our Veterans and those who care for them.”

The DC Knights of Columbus have a long history of supporting Veterans through the DC VA Medical Center. Their most recent gift brings the total number of donated wheelchairs to just over 500 in the last ten years. On top of personally delivering their most recent batch, the DC Knights stuck around to help unload, unbox, and set up the brand-new wheelchairs.

“We know that these providers do not always have the time or manning to come out and get the chairs ready for use,” said Hanna. “That’s why we stay to help set them up and deliver them to the appropriate service. We enjoy interacting with the staff that is on hand and getting to know the team that supports our Veterans.”

The donation was made through the Medical Center’s Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE) and will be used to help Veteran’s maneuver around the facility before, during and after treatment. CDCE Chief Theo Marsh said the office maintains a “wish list” of items that frequently are needed by Veterans under care at the DC VA Medical Center.

“The Knights of Columbus recognize those needs and consistently show up to support the Veterans,” said Marsh. “We always appreciate their dedication and generosity.”

Anyone interested in donating to Veterans at the Washington DC VA Medical Center can contact the Center for Development and Civic Engagement at the DC VA Medical Center by calling 202-745-8322.

The DC Knights of Columbus would like to extend a special thank you to the American Wheelchair Mission and the New York State Council for their support through logistics and shipping to help this project become a reality.