Local non-profit refurbishes equipment for patients in need

As New Year’s resolutions to get organized and de-clutter transition into spring cleaning, one local non-profit wants people to donate their used mobility equipment to help fellow Virginians get back on their feet.

“People often have rehabilitative equipment left over from injuries that family members have since recovered from or from loved ones who passed away,” explains Robin Ramsey, the F.R.E.E. Foundation’s executive director. “Instead of letting this equipment take up space in garages, basements and attics, we’re asking people to help others in need by donating walkers, wheelchairs, canes, crutches, shower chairs, hand rails, tub benches, bedside commodes and other types of mobility equipment that they or their loved ones are no longer using.”

Through F.R.E.E.’s partnership with Goodwill, used mobility equipment can be dropped off at any local Goodwill donation center and Goodwill will then give it to F.R.E.E.

The Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment and Endowment (F.R.E.E) acquires mobility-related rehabilitative equipment and cleans, repairs, and refurbishes it before providing the devices at no cost to people living with disabilities. With six chapters – including its Salem headquarters – throughout Virginia, F.R.E.E. donated equipment to nearly 2,000 disabled Virginians in 2016, maximizing their functional independence and improving their quality of life.

“F.R.E.E. serves area adults with unmet medical equipment needs who report that they would not be able to receive this equipment by any other means,” Ramsey explains. “Our services rely on community donations of this rehab equipment.”

-Submitted by Robin Ramsey