Where to Donate Unused Colostomy Supplies?

First, thanks for all the tips and tricks everyone shares. From MaO and trial and error, I've learned a lot in three years. And the funny life-happens stories are always appreciated! Now, as my body has changed a bit, I've changed bag styles for my colostomy. I have searched locally and have found no place to donate. Does anyone know of a place where extra supplies can be donated? Or if someone here on MaO needs supplies. I use Coloplast products, but this style of bag no longer works for my situation. I hate seeing them go to waste… ;)

Thank you 

G-Day WP,

Contact Warrior on here; he collects products and sends them to people in need.

IGGIE

Greetings, and Iggie is half right. Me and Kas both collect donated supplies. However, she and I are taking a different course because no one is asking for supplies, and if they do need the supplies, shipping costs are out of hand. So I would suggest you contact a few local hospitals or clinics, or your stoma nurse or surgeon's office, and find out how you can donate your supplies.

Please do not throw them out.

Products are very expensive, and for those in need, or for those in emergency run-out supplies, we can help.

Let me know how you feel about donating locally, then you can contact me afterward.

Doing this saves YOU money. And the benefit of helping an ostomate in dire need is priceless, true, but expensive.

Thanks for asking.

10 minutes later...

You can post exactly what you have to donate, the product number, brand name, right here, now. Someone will read and see and maybe want it. Just a thought.

If you have or had a home health nurse, ask if they know of patients in need. I received some supplies this way and was able to gift some others I couldn't use to someone else. It's very informal, but it works.

Also, check the UOAA website for support groups. Some of those groups run a supply closet.

Ostomy211.org is a place to donate your extra supplies.

How to Get Back to Fitness After Ostomy Surgery with Ryan | Hollister

Stoma nurses might be interested in a nursing home? I told my son when I croak to make sure he donates my supplies.

Thank you for the suggestion. Even with copays, they're not cheap, so no, I wouldn't toss them. Someone might be able to use them. I wondered if I should post specifics.
List:

Sensura Mio Convex flip ref #18330 - 4 boxes

Brava banana peels ref #120700 - 7 boxes

Brava protective seal ref #12037 - 4 boxes

These are Coloplast products. Maybe someone needs them. The pouches don't fit me anymore; I went back to the smaller ones.

Oh, thank you for the suggestion. Where I live is a wasteland when it comes to ostomy support, so there is virtually no information from any local entity.

Hi SusanT, did you try to contact the service that sent the home nurse when I was discharged from the hospital after surgery? I had the nurse's number, so I sent him a text. I haven't received a response.

Thank you, IGGIE. Warrior saw the post and responded. The members here have been so helpful.

I'm still waiting for a response from the original nurse from post-surgery home care. I don't currently have a stoma nurse. I have told my kids the same!

At www.FOWUSA.org, it costs $20 to ship a box up to 40 lbs.

Dunno about the quote.

I sent two normal-sized boxes out to two members not long ago... less than 1 pound each.

Weight and size matter.

$30.00. Each box!!! Of course, that was U.P.S. NOT USPS.

Your quote is from which carrier?

G-Day Mate,

You're a good man, Warrior. How often do you have to pay that out of your own pocket? I offered to help with the finances once before, and the offer is still solid.

Regards, IGGIE

Aye.. no.. that was a while ago. 2 months. After that, I just decided to donate everything to a hospital.

One person did offer to pay for the shipping, but I declined as this person sent it to another.

Pay it forward as the term goes.

Not an issue, my friend, thank you. Kas and I both felt the inventory (supply) exceeded the demand for products.

She actually has a closet full of stuff.

Anyways, people know where to go most times. Our job is done.

✌️ to you! 🖐

If you go to the website, you can donate $20 and get a prepaid label for UPS to mail your box. It appears they've negotiated a huge discount. I imagine UPS writes it off as a tax deduction.

That is mind-blowing and good to know this important detail.

It just didn't add up from what I saw. Thanks. Should "post-it on the fridge. 😊

Clears up the great question: "WTF are you talking about, Willis?" (Gary Coleman)