From staff reports
The Lending Room, a nonprofit organization that accepts and distributes gently used medical equipment to any individual who has a need, will celebrate its new headquarters at 954 Ribaut Road in Beaufort with a community open house from 3 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 15. The public is invited to attend.
The Lending Room was forced to move from its previous location because that property was sold. The new location, directly across the street from the Beaufort Memorial Hospital (BMH), is made possible through an agreement with the hospital to lease the space for the token amount of $1 per year.
“Our community partners are extremely important in fulfilling our mission,” BMH President and CEO Russell Baxley said. “Working with The Lending Room not only helps ensure continuity of care and assists our most vulnerable patients, it offers a convenience for patients being discharged from the hospital as their on-campus location provides easy access, especially to those for whom transportation is a barrier.”
The Lending Room is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to accepting and distributing gently used medical equipment such as walkers, crutches, hospital beds, wheelchairs and motorized scooters/chairs. Anyone in need of rehabilitative equipment for long- or short-term use is able to borrow an item, regardless of income or insurance, for as little as a $1 donation.
“Since 1961, The Lending Room and Beaufort County have benefitted from the efforts of community members like Ms. Natalie Hascal, Mrs. Sam Smith, Mrs. Becky Trask and the hundreds of other volunteers who serve residents in need,” said The Lending Room Director Martha O’Regan, who co-directs the organization with Carolyn Roos and Lori Wells. “We are grateful to them and Beaufort Memorial Hospital for their generous support,”
The Lending Room, Inc. became a 501(c)(3) organization in March 2013, permitting those who donate equipment to request a tax receipt for income tax purposes. Likewise, any monetary donation is tax deductible to the extent of the law.
For more information about the medical devices available through the Lending Room or to donate gently used medical equipment, visit LendingRoomBeaufort.com or call 843-524-2554.
