ASHEVILLE, N.C., March 20, 2020– The Light FM recently partnered with listeners to collect hundreds of donated wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and wheelchair parts for Wheels for the World, a ministry of Joni Eareckson Tada. The drive, held March 9-12, 2020, included stops at Sam’s Clubs in Knoxville and Johnson City, Tennessee; Greenville and Spartanburg, South Carolina; Asheville, Hendersonville, and Gastonia, North Carolina; and Wal-Mart in Hickory, North Carolina.
Listeners of The Light FM generously donated enough items to fill an entire 53’ trailer, top to bottom. These items included 258 aluminum wheelchairs, 259 walkers, 71 transport chairs, and 66 canes.
“We are truly humbled by the outpouring of support from our listening family to provide not only the gift of mobility to those without it but also their commitment to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world,” said Jon Wood, program director at The Light FM.
“We heard so many stories behind the items that were being donated, with many being left behind by a loved one who had passed, or items that were donated because God had delivered the donor from a physical ailment,” said Brian Fisher, promotions manager at The Light FM. “No matter the reason, each person donated in hopes of seeing others reached with the Gospel, and providing the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. That speaks volumes about our listeners and the ministry of The Light FM. We are truly grateful to share with our listeners the great work that is being done by Wheels for the World and Joni and Friends.”
After collection, Wheels for the World donations are sent to one of 15 different federal, state, or private correctional facilities in 12 different states for restoration. Items from The Light FM’s donation drive were sent directly to South Central Correctional Facility in Clifton, Tennessee. There, inmates are trained to restore wheelchairs to like-new condition.
Items are then sent for distribution to developing nations around the world. Each recipient receives a custom-fit wheelchair, as well as a Gospel message presentation. Recipients also receive a Bible written in their language, training for wheelchair use and upkeep, and are connected with a local Christ-honoring church.
Joni Eareckson Tada, founder and CEO of Joni and Friends, said, “It touched my heart to see [The Light FM’s] listeners take up the challenge and provide help and hope to the needy children and adults with disabilities who will receive these wheelchairs once they’re restored. All of us at Joni and Friends are so grateful for our partnership with The Light FM.”
The Light FM would also like to thank 2Berry Transportation of Lake Wylie, South Carolina. for helping make this donation drive possible.
About The Light FM: A listener supported ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, The Light FM seeks to serve its listeners with the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, through encouraging music, relevant Bible teaching and support of ministry outreach at home and abroad. The Light FM’s flagship station, 106.9 WMIT, has the nation’s 12th largest FM radio coverage area, reaching portions of seven states including the cities of Charlotte, N.C.; Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C.; the Tri-Cities of Tenn. and Va.; Hickory, N.C.; and Asheville, N.C. The Light FM is also heard in Knoxville, Tenn. on 106.7 FM; in Winston-Salem, NC on 94.9 FM, and in Franklin, NC on 101.3 FM. The Light FM can be heard globally at www.TheLightFM.org, via its smartphone apps for iPhones and Android and on Amazon Echo, Tap and Google smart speakers. For a listing of additional frequencies, visit here.
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