From accessories that didn’t work out, to the stash of boxes you no longer need or want, taking time to declutter your ostomy supplies can make a huge difference to someone in need.
Donating your extra supplies is important to the ostomy community for so many reasons, below are just a few, along with five organizations that accept donations and give back to ostomates all year long.
1. Your donation helps change lives for the better.
You’ve seen pictures, read testimonials, and know firsthand that giving makes a difference. Simply put, donating ostomy supplies lets others know they matter.
Friends of Ostomates Worldwide-USA (FOW-USA) is a volunteer run non-profit organization that collects donated ostomy supplies from individuals and organizations and sends them to ostomates in need worldwide.
Please mail donations to this address:
FOW-USA
4018 Bishop Lane
Louisville, Kentucky 40218-4539
NOTE: Include your mailing information inside your packages, as well as on the outside, to ensure they know who you are.
2. Give because every little bit helps.
Even a few ostomy supplies can help an ostomate get through the week, and that means something. Think about it this way, if everyone gave a little bit, that adds up to a lot!
Friends of Ostomates Worldwide Canada is a non-profit organization operated solely by volunteers. Since 1986, FOW Canada has collected and sent over 110,000 pounds of ostomy supplies and literature to more than 52 countries around the world.
Please mail or drop off donations to this address:
Collection Center – Manitoba and East
Port Hope Pharmasave
60 Ontario Street
Port Hope Ontario
L1A 2T8
Collection Center – Saskatchewan and West
CB Medical
21A, 3900 – 106 Avenue SE
Calgary, Alberta
T2C 5B6
NOTE: Mark all packages and boxes with: FOWC Donated Supplies, Attention: Kelsi Fox.
3. Giving is contagious.
When you donate, share it over social media. Supplies are desperately needed with all the natural disasters this year, as many ostomates are dealing with emergency situations.
Ostomy 2-1-1 is a non-profit organization offering support to ostomates, their families and caregivers. Their emergency supply pantry distributes donated ostomy items to those in need who live in the United States.
Please mail donations to this address:
Ostomy 2-1-1
c/o Olivet Baptist Church
1201 NW 10th Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106
NOTE: There's no charge for ostomy supplies, but they do ask for a small donation ($20 minimum) to cover expenses.
4. Give because it will make you happier.
Philanthropy in all its forms – generosity, compassion and caring – has the potential to reward the giver as much as the recipient.
Osto Group is a non-profit organization founded in May, 2008 that receives donations of unused ostomy products. They’ve created an online shop where you can search for items and all you’ll pay is shipping and handling.
Please mail or drop off donations to this address:
Osto Group
3500 45th Street, Suite #16A
West Palm Beach, Florida 33407
NOTE: Put a return address label or write your name and address on a sheet of paper and place it in the box with your donated supplies to receive an acknowledgement letter.
5. Giving helps create a deeper connection with others.
We are a community of people who care about each other, understand each other, and want to help each other. That bond is very special.
Colostomy UK has a donation program called Stoma Aid which collects unused supplies in the United Kingdom and distributes them to ostomates in developing countries who cannot afford or access ostomy supplies.
Please mail donations to this address:
Stoma Aid
c/o Stone Logistics/PRS Ltd
Lorne Mill
Lorne Street
Bolton BL4 7LZ
NOTE: Currently only accepting ostomy appliances (within the expiration date) and cannot accept other supplies such as wipes, paste, powders, etc.
You could also bring excess supplies to a local ostomy support group or hospital. Your ostomy nurse might even have connections to people in your area. The year is almost over, don't miss the opportunity to bring more joy into your life by giving to others!
