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WHAT IS THE AL BOE WHEELCHAIR WAREHOUSE?  The WCW loans out durable medical equipment to folk in the Northern-Puget-Sound/Straits-of-Georgia region. There is no charge for this service, though we gladly accept donations. Equipment loaned includes low vision aids, wheelchairs, powerchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, and bedside and bathroom helpers of all kinds. Loans are for three to six months; they may be extended based on need. Currently we have about 650 chairs and 1,400 other items out on loan; in stock, there are around 40 chairs and 500 other items.

WHO USES THE EQUIPMENT & WHY?  People of all ages borrow our equipment. The most common reason is to recover from an operation or temporary condition, but we also help those with long-term needs that arise from debilitating conditions and aging. Our wheelchairs and powerchairs enable people to get out and about who would otherwise become shut-ins. This improves the quality of their lives and enables them to be productive members of society. In fact, two of our long-term recipients are volunteers at the WCW.
  We also loan equipment to people who are traveling or have visiting relatives that can't bring their own devices. Churches, schools, clinics and other institutions borrow equipment to support their programs.

HISTORY.  In 1991, a forward-looking member of our Club, Al Boe, realized that many people were going without wheelchairs because they could not afford them. He knew there was a lot of equipment lying around unused, so he proposed that we set up a small operation to collect, refurbish and redistribute wheelchairs to needy individuals in our community. The operation grew quickly and we raised funds to build a proper facility with the help of the Lions Clubs International Foundation and Lions Multiple District 19. In the past 18, years we have helped thousands of individuals and built a close working relationship with St. Joseph's Hospital, hospice and extended care facilities in Whatcom County.

TERMS & CONDITIONS.  We loan out equipment to the public. We do not sell or rent medical equipment. There is no charge, though donations are gratefully accepted. There is a $100 refundable deposit for power chairs and scooters. Power equipment comes with fully charged batteries. After three months, users are responsible for replacing dead batteries; we can provide batteries of all types at a very reasonable price.
  Power equipment and four-wheel walkers are loaned for a period of three months; this loan may be extended if need is demonstrated. Other equipment is loaned for a period of six months and may be renewed as requested.

HOURS.  9:00 AM to 11:30 AM on Monday & Thursday, except holidays.

TELEPHONE NUMBER.  (360) 752-5526.

DONATE EQUIPMENT TO THE WAREHOUSE.  The Warehouse runs entirely on donations of medical equipment. The only equipment-related items we routinely buy are batteries for motorized chairs. If you have any unused medical equipment, please consider donating it to the Warehouse. We can give you a donation receipt for tax purposes and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that your gift will be used by many needy people in the years to come.

There are some items that are too large for us to store at the Warehouse. These include lift vans, hospital beds, and lift chairs. We maintain a waiting list for these items. If you want to donate them, give us a call and we will match you with a person who needs what you have.

To make a donation, please call (360) 752-5526. Although we only man the phones during our limited business hours, we have a very good answering machine. Leave your name, telephone number and indicate that you want to make a donation. We will ring you back to make arrangements. Or you can email Charles (Chaz) Nelson and he will facilitate the contact.

Directions. On I-5, take the Bakerview (Airport) exit and go towards the airport. Turn right (north) on Bennett Drive at the corner with three gas stations. Pass the hotel. Pass Mikinos Greek Restaurant and the Shamrock Motel. Turn in at the Lions sign just past the Shamrock. The pot of gold is at the back of the parking lot.