An orthopedic boot is a form of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) prescribed for temporary use following a fracture, severe sprain, or surgery to immobilize the foot and ankle. Once recovery is complete, these devices often present a dilemma: they are too functional to simply discard but are highly specialized and difficult to reuse personally. Donating a functional boot provides a valuable resource to someone else while keeping non-biodegradable materials out of landfills. This guide provides solutions for properly donating a used orthopedic boot, ranging from specialized national organizations to convenient local options.
National Programs for Medical Equipment
Several non-profit organizations specialize in the collection, refurbishment, and redistribution of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) like orthopedic boots, often operating nationally or internationally. These organizations have established logistics to handle medical-grade items and ensure they reach underserved communities or developing nations. Donating to a specialized program guarantees the boot will be inspected, sanitized, and given to a person with a verified medical need.
Project C.U.R.E. and MedShare are examples of organizations that distribute medical supplies and equipment globally, accepting gently used DME, including orthopedic supplies, for international distribution. These programs often require donors to complete a specific donation form before shipping to confirm the item’s acceptance and condition. Using these established channels ensures they can efficiently manage large volumes of equipment and serve a humanitarian purpose where medical resources are scarce.
Other organizations, such as Samaritan’s Purse World Medical Mission, also accept orthopedic supplies and facilitate the shipment of these items to mission hospitals globally. When preparing to donate to a national program, check the organization’s current “wish list” or accepted items, as their needs change based on current international projects and inventory levels. While these options require shipping effort, they ensure the boot will be used by someone who otherwise could not afford it.
Local Donation Options
For a more immediate and local solution, several community-based options exist for donating a used orthopedic boot. Local thrift stores, such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army, may accept orthopedic boots, though their policies on medical devices vary significantly by location. It is best practice to call the specific location beforehand to confirm their acceptance policy for used DME.
Healthcare Providers
Physical therapy clinics, rehabilitation centers, and local hospitals are excellent resources for finding local reuse programs, even if they cannot accept the donation directly. While a clinic is unlikely to hand out a used boot, their staff is often connected to local “loan closets” or community aid groups that manage medical equipment exchange. Asking a physical therapist or clinic administrator about local DME reuse programs can yield a direct referral to a trusted local charity.
Community Exchange
For peer-to-peer giving, local online community groups offer a simple way to pass the boot along to a neighbor in need. Platforms like Nextdoor, local Facebook Marketplace “Free” groups, or “Buy Nothing” groups are designed for neighborhood exchange and often have people seeking short-term medical equipment. The advantage of these groups is the speed of donation and the direct knowledge that the item is helping someone in your immediate community. This method bypasses the logistical requirements of larger non-profits.
Preparing the Boot for Donation
Regardless of the chosen donation route, the donor must take several steps to ensure the orthopedic boot is accepted and safe for the next user. A thorough cleaning and sanitization of the boot is necessary, as these items have close contact with the skin. The liner, which is typically removable, should be hand-washed with mild soap and water, then laid flat to air dry completely, avoiding a machine dryer which can damage the material.
The hard plastic shell of the boot should be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild soap to remove any dirt or residue. Inspect the boot for usability, ensuring all straps and buckles are functional and the hook-and-loop (Velcro) closures are free of lint and debris so they stick properly. If donating to a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the donor can request a receipt for tax purposes, as the fair market value of the donated item may be deductible if the donor itemizes deductions.