A unique ministry in Pickerington is providing a helping hand to people in need. Peace United Methodist Church runs the Helping Hands Medical Equipment Ministry. The church collects donated medical equipment and distributes it across Central Ohio.
“The ministry is such a blessing,” said Hilliard resident Laura Leyshon. She is taking care of her 79-year-old mother and on Wednesday, volunteers delivered an electronic hospital bed for her mom. "She has a hard time getting in and out of a regular bed because of her chronic disease, so this is a huge help,” said Leyson.
Linda Hottle from Peace United Methodist Church runs the ministry and said the need for all types of medical equipment is huge in Central Ohio. "We've had people sleeping on floors, that can hardly get up, that need a bed so badly,” said Hottle. “People are desperate for some help.”
The ministry helped close to 1,400 people last year providing not only beds but wheelchairs, shower benches, walkers, even canes. Besides delivering and picking up donations, volunteers also spend hours getting the equipment ready. Some items may need to be repaired and everything gets a good scrubbing before its given away.
Hottle said the ministry wouldn't survive without its faithful volunteers and she's always needing more help. “There's about 40 volunteers and every one of them would tell you the same thing, they are blessed more than the people we're helping,” she said.
"Their ministry is just awesome,” said Leyshon. “I hope they are able to help more people and I hope people hearing this will want to volunteer or write a check. I just don't know how to say it how blessed we feel.”
The ministry's medical equipment is available to anyone who needs it. If you need help or want to make a donation, call 614-837-3732 or visit www.peaceumc.org
