Frequently Asked Question 1
What supplies are most in demand?
All of the supplies listed in the Handbook are needed on a regular basis. However, some items are more needed at certain points in time. Please refer to the Handbook for the standards. As of 2021, the MOST needed items are (in alphabetical order):
- Absorbent Squares
- Baby Blankets
- Baby Diapers (sewn)
- Baby sleepers
- Bandages
- Bath Towels (see details in Handbook)
- Crutches and Canes
- Draw Sheets
- Hand Towels (see details in Handbook)
- Hospital Blankets
- Hospital Sheets (single/twin, flat & fitted) – flannel & muslin
- Pillows
- Walkers
- Wheelchairs
Also especially needed this year (but not specifically listed in the handbook) are:
- Adult Diapers
- Bed Pans (adult size)
- Filing Cabinets (legal size; hanging files; lateral preferred; if lockable, include key(s))
- Gauze sponges assorted sizes 2x2, 4x4 etc (medical supplies)
- Office Chairs
- Oxygen Concentrators
- Surgical instruments and supplies
- Sewing Thread (for regular and industrial sewing machines)
If your group only does specific items, keep up the good work.
Everything you do is needed!
If you are able to focus more on any of the items listed above, that would be deeply appreciated.
Frequently Asked Question 2
Do you still need empty pill bottles?
There has been some confusion around this question. The answer is that pill bottles are no longer needed. Thank you to those who faithfully collected them over the years.
Other items that are no longer made/sent include:
X Diaper Protectors
X Envelopes and Cards
X Glove Cases
X Glove Envelopes
X Glucose Monitors, test strips, or lancets
X Medicine and Pill Bottles
X Microfibre Wash Cloths
X Non-medical Masks (both disposable & reusable)
Frequently Asked Question 3
Who pays for shipping?
The shipping cost is usually paid for by those who donate the contents of the container. Each group or individual that sends items also sends (under separate cover) a contribution to help cover shipping and other expenses.
We also receive numerous medical and hospital supplies from generous donors that do not include shipping contributions. In the past, for example, we have received pallets of syringes, hospital linens, hospital beds and mattresses, surgical beds, an entire OR room, wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, specialized electrical equipment, materials for a water treatment plant and much, much more.
We are able to ship these items because of the contributions of generous groups and individuals.
Would you consider helping out by paying for the shipment?
To make a monetary contribution:
Why?
Our brochure's White Cross Canada in Numbers section shows the grass-root nature of White Cross.
As we support missions that make medical care affordable and accessible to the marginalized communities, raising fund to send the container is an integral part of our ministry.
Frequently Asked Question 4
Where and when should we deliver our boxes of supplies?
The Canadian address for all White Cross deliveries/shipments is:
White Cross Canada
c/o Taylor Seminary
11525 – 23 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6J 4T3.
Phone: 780-431-5200
Delivery Information:
- Please contact the office at 780-733-2380 ext. 4 at least a few days in advance. We will need to arrange someone to meet you.
Frequently Asked Question 5
What types of items do you accept?
Check back for a complete list of current items and consult the answer to “What supplies are most in demand.” The primary focus of White Cross is on medical needs.
Do you know someone who has access to unused medical supplies (non-pharmaceutical) and/or used medical equipment? Contact us to see if the supplies can be used. A list of the possible supplies is extremely helpful to include with any inquiry.
Items not listed on the handbook?
If it is not on our regular list, it does not mean that we cannot use it. We do, however, want to make sure that every item shipped is needed. If you want to check about items you want to donate, please email or message us from the website.
Items we do not accept
Currently, we do not need used clothing.
Please donate any clothing to an appropriate charity.
Other common items we do not ship are:
- Medical/non-medical items with liquid inside
- Medical textbooks that are older than 10 years or region specific (e. g. Canadian rules)
- Glucose monitors that require test strips