Submitted by Fern Facchino
OAKHURST – The Oakhurst Sierra Rotary and the Oakhurst Sierra Sunrise Rotary are joining together to collect donations of used wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, shower benches, canes or any other type of mobility equipment.
The items will be refurbished and distributed across the United States, Mexico and South America.
The Clubs are asking anyone in the mountain area who may have these items and are willing to donate them, to deliver them to Martignoni Glass, located at 40714 Highway 41.
The equipment for donation does not have to be in perfect condition. Items can be dropped off on weekdays between 9 a.m – 5 p.m. and will be stored at Martignoni Glass until enough have been received to fill a container and warrant shipping to their next stop.
The equipment is then sent to Ohio, where the pieces are completely refurbished by inmates of the prison system. Rotary members carefully match the pieces with specific needs for patients, and often accompany the items on delivery. Last year, the club collected approximately 80 individual donations of mobility equipment and is hopeful to receive even more this year, with the community’s help.
The organization is immensely grateful to the many people who have donated wheelchairs and other devices including walkers, potty chairs, crutches, and more. This drive for mobility equipment will run on a continual basis. If you should need assistance getting items to the locations, please contact one of the people listed below and they will be glad to pick up.
For more information and details, please contact Oakhurst Sierra Rotarians Fern Facchino (559) 683-0408 or Randy Papike (559) 683-0478, or Oakhurst Sierra Sunrise Rotary member Dale Miller (559) 683-0819.
