Youngtown Medical Equipment Lending Center needs financial support

The Youngtown Community Fund, Inc., doing business as the Medical Equipment Lending Center, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that loans durable medical equipment at no cost for up to four months to residents of the Northwest Valley facing recovery from illness, surgery, accident or other medical crisis. The areas include the cities of Youngtown, Peoria, Sun City West, El Mirage, Surprise, Wittmann and surrounding areas. The center regularly services about 150 clients per month. The volunteers and staff work with clients and their caregivers to help ensure they are loaned medical equipment suiting their needs.

“Many older adults who have had surgeries or a fall need help with the challenges of aging and don’t have the funds or wherewithal to purchase new equipment they would only use for a few months,” said Charlene McGarvey, employee of the Youngtown Community Fund. “That’s why we are here to help. And we always welcome donations, no matter what size, to purchase new equipment and maintain our facilities.”

The agency was formed in the early 1960s by a group of concerned citizens in the community of Youngtown who saw an unfulfilled need for those living there. The nonprofit met with the loss of their founder and president Madelon Jeffreys last September. The board of directors has decided to honor Jeffreys’ legacy by carrying on the agency with the hopes of growing it to meet the ever increasing needs of the community. Donations to the nonprofit to help maintain equipment inventory levels, purchase new equipment and expand outreach and services throughout the northwest valley.

The Youngtown Lending Center lends a myriad of needed health equipment including two-wheel walkers, wheelchairs, bath benches, bed rails, bedside tables, lifts, roll-a-way beds, bed canes, four-wheel walkers, shower chairs, bathtub grab rails, toilet seat risers, canes, crutches, commode chairs, transfer benches and more. All services are provided through volunteer help and donations from those assisted and from individuals appreciating the service provided. All equipment is inspected, maintained, and sanitized with each use.

For more information about the services of the Youngtown Medical Lending Center, or to donate, call 623-977-4661. Donations are also accepted directly through Zeffy atzeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/fe424012-995c-4bdf-bb59-849a5c7f2cb2. The office is open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Saturday.