Couple wheeling and dealing to find wheels for neediest

Like many others across America, John and Diane Edwards recycle cans, glass, newspapers and magazines. What sets the Scotia family apart is that they have converted their garage into a makeshift collection bin for a lesser known recyclable commodity: wheelchairs.

The Edwards, members of Faith Baptist Church in Rexford, recently appealed to Catholics through parish bulletins across the Albany Diocese for donations of used wheelchairs for a charity called Wheels for the World. Members of other denominations are also being asked to support the project by donating wheelchairs that are no longer serving their purpose.

Based in Colorado, Wheels for the World repairs wheelchairs and then distributes them to needy disabled persons around the world.

Mrs. Edwards said she and her husband became involved in Wheels for the World after their 10-year-old son, Greg, who has cerebral palsy, outgrew his wheelchair. The couple was delighted to learn that there was a program that would ensure that his used chair could make life better for another disabled child in the world.

Since issuing their "wheel appeal" last month, Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, who also have a five-year-old son, Kyle, have collected about 70 wheelchairs in a variety of sizes, colors and conditions. Another 20 are currently awaiting pick-up by Mr. Edwards.

"The only wheelchairs we cannot accept are electric ones," said Mrs. Edwards, explaining that such models do not always operate well in Third World countries. "Other than that, we are happy to pick up chairs in any condition. Even if a chair isn't working properly, it can be fixed at the refurbishment center or dismantled and used for parts. Someone's life can be enriched by that valuable gift."

(Anyone who has a used wheelchair can call Diane and John Edwards at 399-6602 before May 31. Write them at 181 Droms Road, Scotia, NY 12302.)

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