Bob McCarthy Foundation Receives Grant for Medical Loan Center
Bob McCarthy Foundation Receives Grant for Medical Loan Center
The Bob McCarthy Foundation received a grant of $250 from the Connie and Sandy Wolfinger Fund
ELLICOTTVILLE - Earlier this year, the Bob McCarthy Foundation started an agency fund with the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation. This month, the Bob McCarthy Foundation received a grant of $250 from the Connie and Sandy Wolfinger Fund which is established at the Foundation. Always looking to increase support in the community, this grant was used to purchase five new knee scooters for the Medical Loan Center. Volunteers at the Medical Loan Center noticed that knee scooters had a larger demand than they could supply, either from Ellicottville or Olean. Thanks to this grant and funding from other donors this year, the loan center can now bridge this gap.
The Bob McCarthy Foundation, in partnership with Interfaith Caregivers Inc., began operating The Medical Loan Center at 17 Mill Street, Ellicottville this past year. The Loan Center has been a success, having a positive impact on those in need of medical equipment and supplies. “The partnership has exceeded our expectations,” says Loan Center Manager Jon Falk.
An exceptional volunteer group is in place to staff the facility, and with the expertise of Interfaith Caregivers who provide these services in Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties, the Ellicottville Medical Loan Center became operational quickly.
Julie Hall, Interfaith Caregivers, Inc. Executive Director, commented that servicing this wide area through a single location in Olean was not optimal. “This expansion now provides better service to northern and western Cattaraugus County,” she said. “All services offered through The Bob McCarthy/Interfaith Caregivers Loan Centers are free of charge thanks to the generous contributions from our donors as we do not rely on any government funding.”
Jon Falk and Jennette Kent, a volunteer registered nurse, have been visiting medical offices, county agencies and other facilities to spread the word about the Loan Centers which is driving the increase in clients. Falk said, “The word is getting out there, as we partner with various community service agencies to insure we provide for those in need.” You will see the Loan Center poster in many establishments, and now agencies like Meals on Wheels and county nurses are informing their clients of our services
The Ellicottville Loan Center is located at 17 Mill Street in the Village of Ellicottville and has a variety of equipment and supplies. Hospital beds, Hoyer lifts, wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, crutches, canes, shower chairs and bedside commodes are medical durables loaned through the centers. However, many medical supplies like urinary and ostomy supplies, bed pads, bandages, adult diapers, and many other supplies are also provided at no cost due to generous donors. The Ellicottville Loan Center is currently open Thursday morning from 9:00am-noon (or by appointment by calling 716-860-2532) for any medical equipment needs. All donations of equipment are inspected to insure good working condition and sanitized before being loaned back out. The Loan Center can also provide vision and hearing loss services for those in need.
“We thank the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation and the Connie and Sandy Wolfinger Fund for their support,” concluded Jon Falk.
To donate or volunteer to help, please contact the Bob McCarthy’s Foundation lead, Jon Falk or any Bob McCarthy board member (Anne Northrup, Kathleen Moriarty Fleming, Katy Arena, Greg Cappelli) or visit www.bobmccarthyfoundation.com.