The Medical Equipment Distribution Shed, or MED Shed, located behind the Nichols Presbyterian Church, was celebrated on Oct. 9 with a service and ceremony, and then a tour of the church and the shed.
With a welcome by George Budine, commissioned lay pastor, guests attending the event were able to hear the story, first hand, of the shed’s history and the impact it has made on the community.
Jim Pierson, who helps to manage the MED Shed, offers words to guests on Oct. 9, and during a celebration of the MED Shed, located at the Nichols Presbyterian Church. (Photo by Wendy Post)
“In the early months we gave out one to two pieces of equipment a week,” stated Budine, adding, “Now, two years later, on a slow week we will give out ten [pieces of equipment], on a busy week we will give out 20.”
During 2020, as an example, 358 pieces of equipment were handed out; in 2021 that number is already over 370, thus proving the need within the community.
The MED Shed was the brainchild of the Community Care Network of Nichols (CCNN). Equipment, at that time, was stored within the Presbyterian Church until a shed could be constructed. After reaching out to the Mildred Truman Faulkner Foundation, a shed was built at the former CCNN site in Nichols, and the equipment from the church was moved there.
Dot Richter, former director of the Community Care Network of Nichols, talks about the history of the MED Shed during an Oct. 9 celebration held at the Nichols Presbyterian Church. (Photo by Wendy Post)
According to Dot Richter, former director of CCNN, when they merged with Tioga Opportunities, Inc. in late 2019, the MED Shed program was moved back to the church, along with the shed.
“By the end of this year we will have distributed 1,000,” added Budine of the wheelchairs, walkers, and other pieces of medical equipment that are stored in the MED Shed.
And the distribution of these items was evident through testimonials given at the Oct. 9 celebration.
Andrea Seeley, speaking on behalf of case managers through Guthrie, talks about the benefits of the MED Shed on Oct. 9, and during a celebration held at the Nichols Presbyterian Church. (Photo by Wendy Post)
According to Andrea Seeley, who was speaking on behalf of case managers through Guthrie, the use of the shed has been spoken highly of by many of their volunteers.
Jessica Bruce, healthcare worker and occupational therapist affiliated with United Health Services, stated that one of the goals is to keep people home.
“Many are able to stay home, thanks to the equipment from the MED Shed,” Bruce stated, adding, “People want to return safely to their homes, and now they can.”
“Our gifts are gifts of hope,” said Reverend Mary Jean Simonin, referencing a poem she recited by Ann Weems.
Walkers and other equipment is stored safely in the MED Shed, located at the Nichols Presbyterian Church. To learn more, email to nichpresb@verizon.net. (Photo by Wendy Post)
Budine agreed, stating that they never run out of anything.
“It seems that the more we give away, the more we receive,” he stated, while also thanking the Mildred Truman Faulkner Foundation, CCNN, and Tioga United Way, who purchased wheelchairs; and to the individuals that donated.
“We give people things they don’t want,” Budine exclaimed, adding, “You won’t find a wheelchair or a walker in an investment portfolio; but when they need it, we have it for them.”
Barb Quick, pictured, stands by the overflow shed on the church property during an Oct. 9 celebration held at the Nichols Presbyterian Church. (Photo by Wendy Post)
Barb Quick, board member and manager of the shed, along with Jim Pierson and Charlene Katchuck, offered a glance inside the shed.
“We had to remove a couple of trees and build it up,” said Quick of the acquisition of the MED Shed. The older shed, she noted, is used for overflow.
Wheelchairs are lined up in the MED Shed, located at the Nichols Presbyterian Church. To learn more, email to nichpresb@verizon.net. (Photo by Wendy Post)
“Everything was donated,” said Quick.
The MED Shed is located at the Nichols Presbyterian Church, located at 140 S. Main St. in Nichols, N.Y. To learn more, email to nichpresb@verizon.net.
My husband died on March 6, 2021. We have several pieces of his equipment that we would love to donate to your Med Shed. We have 3 BiPap machines and extra parts, 2 walkers, and a commode for donation. Please contact me to set up a time to bring this equipment to you.
Best thing to do is email them at nichpresb@verizon.net, if you can.
I would like to donate to the Med Shed 2 walkers, a commode, and 3 CPAP machines. You may contact me through my email address, which I have listed below. You may contact me through my cell phone at 607-972-9016. I would like to set up a time with you to donate this equipment.
Best thing to do is email them at nichpresb@verizon.net, if possible.
My name is Julia Spencer! The med shed gave me a bed Assist rail and a walker. I love my equipment it has been a great help! Thank you so much! I looking for a bedside tray table!