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Cancer Loan Closet needs its equipment back in timely manner

First and foremost, I would like to thank our local community for the continued support and generosity given to our local Cancer Loan Closet. Without you, we wouldn’t exist. You have helped so many people who have been battling catastrophic illnesses and for that you should be commended. Thank you.

However, we have been encountering numerous problems with some of our non-cancer clients who, for one reason or another, are not returning our equipment in a timely manner.

When we loan out medical equipment, we specifically tell our new clients our equipment must be brought back in six months or, in the case of knee walkers, three months. These clients sign our inventory cards that state they understand our policy and the equipment will be returned in a timely manner and in the condition it was in when loaned.

We are aware that some non-cancer clients may need equipment longer and, if that is the case, we recommend they purchase their own medical item. Our equipment must be returned and no extensions are given. I have had to make special trips into homes to pick up equipment when we’re told they have no way to return it. These same people had no trouble receiving it.

We try our hardest to accommodate as many clients as possible, but we should not be put in a position where we are forced to pick up our medical equipment. This is not our responsibility. It is yours.

We’ve also experienced our equipment coming back cracked, torn, wheels broken and downright filthy dirty. Again, we make known at the time it’s being loaned out that it needs to come back in good working condition. In some instances, we have had to throw out what once was perfectly good medical equipment.

Please pass on to anyone you know of who may need our services that we are always willing to help if at all possible.

However, we expect our clients in return to treat our equipment with respect. Bring back our equipment in a timely manner; see that it is clean and in good working order; answer your phones when we call to remind you the equipment is due back — don’t hang up on us; and, above all, realize that the equipment you may have is also needed by others.

We helped you — please pay it forward and help others.

Thank you and may God bless.

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