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Those who live on the Outer Banks and are in need of a wheelchair have an option other than purchasing one – contact one of three Lions Clubs with a request to borrow one. The First Flight Lions Club in Kill Devil Hills, the Wanchese Lions Club and the Manteo Lions Club lend wheelchairs and other pieces of medical equipment to local residents and to vacationers who may need a walker, potty or shower seat as well as other medical equipment for home use.

The First Flight Lions Club has been lending equipment for more than three decades, providing almost 3,500 pieces medical equipment. “This is an important service to our communities,” said Past-President Bill Grogg, who serves as chairperson of the project. “Locally this helps folks who do not have insurance to cover rental of medical equipment and some who may need a wheelchair or crutches for just a few days”

The First Flight Lions Club lost its stock of medical equipment a year ago when a fire claimed the club’s storage building. The club has a new storage building and equipment has been replaced thanks to donations from the public. Equipment lending is back in full swing.

The Wanchese Lions Club lends equipment from their location at the Wanchese Community Building. In addition to wheelchairs and smaller equipment, they can provide a hospital bed for short-term use.

The Manteo Lions Club also has equipment to lend from its location at Wescott Park.

To request assistance, call the nearest club: First Flight Lions Club, 252-255-1779; Wanchese Lions Club, 252-305-4462; Manteo Lions Club, 404-988-3603.

The local Lions Clubs are part of the International Association of Lions Clubs, the world’s largest non-governmental service organization with clubs in 204 countries and almost 1.5 million members. Although best known for services to the blind and visually impaired, Lions Clubs help meet a variety of other community needs. For more information about becoming a Lions Club member or volunteering for a Lions Club project, call the nearest club at the number provided.

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