Charity of the week: UCP Wheels for Humanity

More than 59 million people worldwide are in desperate need of a wheelchair but don’t have access to one. UCP Wheels for Humanity (ucpwheels.org) works in developing countries around the world donating fitted wheelchairs to children and adults with physical disabilities. Founded in 1996 as a subsidiary of United Cerebral Palsy of Los Angeles, UCP Wheels has so far improved the lives of more than 313,000 people in 72 countries. Beyond giving the gift of mobility, UCP Wheels builds lasting support for the disabled by educating rural communities to foster inclusiveness, advocating for wheelchair accessibility, and creating community support networks by training physical therapists and other caregivers.

Each charity we feature has earned a four-star overall rating from Charity Navigator, which rates not-for-profit organizations on the strength of their finances, their control of administrative and fundraising expenses, and the transparency of their operations. Four stars is the group’s highest rating.