Sometimes it takes a little patience for a good idea to become a reality. That’s the case with the free medical supplies closet the Community Center has opened.

The idea began with Center President Shawn Lewin. “Two years ago, I was driving to Orono and a friend called me looking for a lift chair. I called hospice, located one, picked it up and delivered it.”

Then he realized a community-wide program to share medical equipment was needed. Since then, Lewin has collected the equipment and provided it to those who knew about his efforts. “I’ve been dabbling with it. It’s time to make it a Community Center project.”

He joked,"Now I’m ready to come ‘out of the closet’ and let everyone know about the free service."

The closet is in the small mall in space previously used by the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library. The area is starting to fill with walkers, crutches, commodes, shower chairs and other medical equipment. Any durable medical equipment is welcome. “Anything someone has that they’ve used to care for a loved one, we’ll take it,” Lewin said.

What can’t be used locally will go to Partners for World Health for distribution around the world. Medications cannot be donated or accepted. Those should be taken to the local police department.

Lewin cleans and disinfects the donated items before giving them to their new owners. The medical equipment at the Center’s supplies closet is free.

Lewin said donations of equipment can be brought to the Community Center, or will be picked up by a volunteer. Since the Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations may be tax-deductible and those contributing equipment should check with their tax advisor.

Boothbay Region Community Resource Council and Hall Funeral Home and Tribute Center are helping spread information about the project. Hall Funeral Home President Michael Hall will let bereaved families know about the supplies closet. “This is a wonderful resource for people,” he said.

Need medical supplies or have items to donate? Call Lewin at (207) 478-5874.