How to Donate a Stationary Bike to Wounded Soldiers in Massachusetts

Your old exercise bike can help a wounded soldier.

Nonstrenuous exercise helps people recover from injuries, and a stationary bike can be perfect for a wounded soldier who needs to rehabilitate. If you have an old exercise bike you no longer use, consider donating it to an injured solider who is on the road to recovery. In Massachusetts, there are several options for finding a good home for your stationary bike or other exercise equipment, and some donations will earn you a tax deduction.

Things You'll Need

• Rag
• Repair tools (optional)

Instructions

1. Clean and repair your stationary bike. Most organizations only accept working equipment that is in good condition. At the very least, you need to dust off the bike.

2. Ask friends, neighbors or coworkers if they know of a wounded soldier who would like a free exercise bike. If you find someone, offer to deliver the bike.

3. Contact the Vietnam Veterans of America. In Massachusetts, the 16 chapters -- located around the commonwealth -- accept household items, including exercise equipment. Because many donated items are resold in their shops, call to find out if they can ensure your donation will go to a wounded soldier. Your local chapter may be able pick up your donation.

4. Contact your local Massachusetts Veteran Affairs department. They accept donations, but email or call to learn if there is a particular wounded soldier who needs a stationary bike.

5. Contact the U.S. Wounded Soldiers Foundation. While they only accept new items and are mainly looking for donations for their hospital, they can put you in contact with a Massachusetts soldier in need.

6. Check your local newspaper's want ads. Wounded soldiers or their families may place an ad looking for exercise equipment for free or a small price. In this case, the contact person might offer to pick up the bike from you, but be prepared to deliver the bike if needed. Numerous papers, including the Boston Globe and Worcester Telegram, have want ad sections.

Tips & Warnings

• Confirm that any charity group you donate to is legitimate. The Better Business Bureau can help.

References

• Sports Injury Clinic: Hamstring Strain
• Reuters: Exercse Often Enough for Injury Recovery
• Vietnam Veterans of America: Massachusetts Donation Programs
• U.S. Wounded Soldiers Foundation: Donations

Resources

• Vietnam Veterans of America: Massachusetts Chapters
• Massachusetts Veterans' Services
• US Wounded Soldiers Foundation
• 50 States: Massachusetts Newspapers