The global aluminum shortage has caused hospitals such as Cook Children's Hospital to ask the public for help.

Brady Gendke, vice president of operations at Cook Children's Home Health, is requesting donations of new or used crutches.

Gendke said they currently have a two-month supply and there is no shortage. But he said they are taking preventive measures. Cook Children's will accept crutches donations by Friday, November 19.

He said: "This is a nationwide shortage. You will see hospitals all over the United States doing similar things, and we have not encountered any shortages. We are receiving notifications of upcoming delayed orders. And so we want to get ahead as soon as possible."

Gendke said the size they use the most is the teen size, suitable for people from 4 feet 6 to 5 feet 1 inch, and adults from 5 feet 2 to 5 feet 10 feet. But he said that Cook Children will accept donations of any size.

The donated crutches will go through safety inspections and sanitation procedures to ensure that each pair can be used safely.

Donations can be brought to the main entrance of the Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth from 7 am to 6 pm on weekdays to November 19.

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