Chase shows off his decorated therapeutic bike, a gift from Variety.
Recycled wheelchairs?
Much like your daughter’s favorite dress from last season, medical equipment isn’t useless when a child outgrows it or no longer needs it. And it certainly won’t do any good sitting in a basement or garage.
Variety parents get this, which is why we have such a well-stocked equipment pool. United Seating and Mobility, a vendor Variety works with daily, is kind enough to donate space for Variety to use as storage. Used equipment is kept there until a child needs it – then a specific piece is pulled and fitted to meet the needs of the new child. Recycling at its finest!
“This wheelchair made such a difference in Sam’s life,” said Variety mom Dana of the power wheelchair she’s donating to the equipment pool. “Now that we’re finished with it, I want someone else to benefit.”
Dana is also donating a special needs car seat and a walker. In fact, the situation has come full circle, because Sam borrowed a wheelchair from Variety’s equipment pool a few years ago. That was a big help at the time, Dana said.
Dana actually saw Variety’s Wish List in a newsletter this spring, and realized they had a few of the items simply collecting dust in their basement. “What can we do with it? I know others can use it, and I’ve seen how it changes someone’s life.” So she called Diane Gruszka, Variety’s health services director, to offer the equipment.
Diane receives these calls at least once or twice a month. She said the families feel really good about giving the equipment back for another child to use. Plus, the equipment pool saves Variety quite a bit of money. Instead of spending $25,000 or more on a brand new power wheelchair, Sam’s can be modified for another child for less than $5,000.
Families don’t have to worry about storing an unneeded piece of equipment, other children get the assistance they need and Variety saves money – everybody wins!
Have a piece of medical equipment that you no longer need? Give Diane a call at (314) 453-0453 or send her an e-mail, and United Seating and Mobility will pick it up right from your basement, garage or attic.