RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - This week’s KOTA Cares highlights an organization giving the gift of mobility: Hope Haven International Ministries. A trunkload of mismatched wheelchairs is ready for a second life as Hope Haven finishes its Midwest collection drive with Karl’s TV, Audio, Appliances & Furniture. Click to play video.
Select Karl’s locations have accepted new and gently used chairs since Nov. 1, with collection continuing through Dec. 31.
“Karl’s partnered with Hope Haven back in the early ’90s, and it’s a great way for the company to have a global impact with our network of regional truck routes across the Midwest,” said Tony Silvernagel, store manager for Karl’s.
“Since 1996, I think we delivered around 155,000 wheelchairs free of cost to people with disabilities and to 109 countries,” said Mark Siemonsma, former foundation director for Hope Haven.
Hope Haven refurbishes, manufactures, and fits custom wheelchairs at no cost, matching each chair to the user’s needs.
On distribution trips overseas — to regions including Africa, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Romania, Vietnam, Costa Rica, and the Philippines — physical therapists and specialists travel with teams to fine‑tune seating and teach families proper use and care.
“A wheelchair is about like a pair of shoes — not one pair fits everybody, and not one wheelchair fits everybody, so we need a variety of wheelchairs to help these people,” Siemonsma said.
Volunteers with local Rotary clubs have helped gather equipment.
“I find this to be one of the most rewarding things I do for Rotary,” said Dana Eberhard of the Spearfish Northern Black Hills Rotary Club. “The positive impact we can have on somebody’s life by giving them mobility — whether it’s a job, going to church, or a family function — and the sustainability aspect of keeping equipment out of landfills makes it worthwhile.”
To donate, click here or drop off mobility equipment at participating Karl’s stores through Dec. 31.