DERRY — There's plenty of help in this closet to lend out.
Anyone needing to borrow medical equipment can find almost anything through the Loaner's Closet at Community Caregivers of Greater Derry.
A helping hand — through a wheelchair, walker, cane or other piece of equipment — can often mean the world to someone in need.
"We fill more than just the role of loaning and taking," Caregivers' executive director Cindee Tanuma said. "It's more of a human connection."
That connection follows Caregivers' mission to help people maintain independence in their homes.
The Loaner's Closet has been a valuable part of that mission for several years. The closet is really a room at the Masonic temple building on East Broadway near the Caregivers' office. It's full of donated medical equipment and other items, all available for loan.
Tanuma said about 25 percent of the calls that come into the Caregivers' office are for loaner items. There are hundreds of items, but there's often a waiting list for prime medical equipment.
Heading up the closet is Donna Kluk, who began as a volunteer driver.
"I wanted to try and help out as many people as I can," she said.
Her plan is to keep the medical equipment organized and itemized.
There is always a need for more, including shower chairs, wheelchairs and bariatric equipment.
Caregivers hopes to create new volunteer opportunities for people who want to help keep the closet running smoothly.
Those volunteers could help inventory items or pick up items that need to be returned, Tanuma said.
The Loaner's Closet is just one way Caregivers helps.
The group began with only five volunteers, and now has more than 400 volunteers who help about 300 people.
Volunteers are always needed to serve as drivers to help take people to and from medical appointments, shopping trips and more.
Tanuma said she also needs teenagers who might want to pitch in a few hours a week to help with cleaning duties for clients.
"We don't have as many teens now," she said. "We need teen cleaners to replenish the ones graduating and leaving for college. But it's a good problem in a way."
Caregivers helps people in Derry, Londonderry, Windham, Chester, Sandown, Hampstead and other surrounding towns.
Tanuma urged people needing help to contact Caregivers, especially those living in Chester. There are ample volunteers in that town, but more clients are welcome.
"We really do match their needs," Tanuma said.
To learn more about Caregivers or to find out more about borrowing medical equipment from the Loaner's Closet, call 432-0877.
The office is at 58 East Broadway in the Masonic Lodge in Derry. Visit comcaregivers.org.
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