Chariots of Hope is a Connecticut-based, nonprofit organization that collects used wheelchairs and then refurbishes and distributes them to people around the world. Efforts are underway to raise public awareness about the need for this service and to encourage people who own wheelchairs that are no longer in use to donate them to this worthy cause. There are nearly 20 million children and adults around the world who could make use of the wheelchairs that now sit idle in people’s attics and basements.

Chariot’s next major collection effort is the 16th annual “Day of 1000 Wheels.” The goal is to collect 300 wheelchairs in one day, Saturday, June 6, 2015.

Anyone wishing to donate a wheelchair may drop it off at Connecticut State Police barracks between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2015. Representatives from Chariots of Hope will be on hand

to accept the wheelchair donation. For additional information, call (860) 242-HOPE or visit the Chariot’s Website at www.chariotsofhope.org.

State Police Drop off locations for the wheelchair collection:

State Police Troop B 463 Ashley Falls Road, North Canaan

State Police Troop G 149 Prospect Street, Bridgeport

State Police Troop I 631 Amity Road, Bethany

Last year more than 180 wheel chairs were collected across Connecticut at State Police Troops.