In 1970, Raymond Welker put a cane he wasn’t using in a closet at Dresden United Methodist Church. His hope was that anyone could use it if they needed it. What started with one cane more than 50 years ago has turned into a three-car garage full of medical equipment for others to borrow, free of charge.
Dresden United Methodist Church is a part of the Upper New York Annual Conference.
“We found that insurance typically does not cover items that make daily living easier or are considered safety in the home. The First Aid Closet (FAC) at Dresden UMC has many items that just make life easier,” said Pastor Jeannine Biehls.
The FAC loans items that support health and healing. The ministry’s mission is generously supported by both physical and monetary donations and run strictly by volunteers like church member, Deb Flood.
“I’m getting calls seven days a week, day and night from people who heard about us. The average age of our volunteers is 83 years old. I’m the youngest volunteer at 71.”
While donations of gently used items are accepted and appreciated, Deb says they don’t want anything that can’t be cleaned and sanitized or that is rusty. The most popular items are hospital beds and wheelchairs. They also have transport chairs and rollator walkers. In 2024, the FAC plans to purchase replacement items for those that have been well used.
“There is a walker collection for persons needing one for after surgery and the commodes are plentiful. Canes, bed rails, and items to help get out of bed are also available. We work with people in the community, like The Living Well, who bring in items like urinary incontinence products. Bandaging wounds can be very expensive, and thanks to those who share with us, the FAC can share with others,” said Pastor Jeannine.
They have items like nebulizers, blood pressure cuffs, scales, medication minders, and even sitz baths at the FAC. The greatest need right now is shower chairs and benches, knee walkers, and additional wheelchairs.
“People are very grateful. The harder it is to get something, the more grateful they are. We help people who just had knee surgery, hip replacement, or were in a car accident. We have some people who borrow for years at a time,” said Deb.
The ministry’s reach extends far beyond Dresden and Yates County. Information about the closet can be found in hospitals and doctor's offices from Syracuse to Rochester, Elmira to Geneva.
Located behind the parsonage, the FAC is just a few blocks from the church. Deb says “call before you buy” to see if the FAC can help stretch your medical budget. You can call or text Deb at (607) 316-4920. Monetary donations can be mailed to the church at 60 Cornelia Street, Dresden, NY 14441.
story by Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications, Upper New York Annual Conference
This story represents how United Methodist local churches through their Annual Conferences are living as Vital Congregations. A vital congregation is the body of Christ making and engaging disciples for the transformation of the world. Vital congregations are shaped by and witnessed through four focus areas: calling and shaping principled Christian leaders; creating and sustaining new places for new people; ministries with poor people and communities; and abundant health for all.
