Equip Your Neighbor Cleveland
Serving the Needy of Lake County and beyond
equipyourneighborcleveland.org | Frank Ashton #440-428-6743 | 4215 Dayton Rd. Madison, Ohio 44057

SERVING LAKE, GEAUGA, AND CUYAHOGA COUNTIES

www.equipyourneighborcleveland.org 440-428-6743

You will be glad to know that the first drive for Equip Your Neighbor Cleveland was a great success. Nearly 500 pieces of durable medical equipment was donated by the various communities. Much of this equipment came from the Lake County Drop Sites at Walmart stores and the Great Lakes Mall. Less came from the Cuyahoga county sites. The difference was, without a doubt, advertising”- or the lack of advertising. We will be ready for next years drive in that department.

WKKY radio in Geneva did spots about the drive throughout the week before the drive and a remote broadcast the day of the drive in Madison. These spots were sponsored by Classic Auto of Madison. The local papers were invaluable to get the word out. This made the difference. We do understand that this drive was a great learning experience for future drives.

In addition, it is only because of the many volunteers we had for the drive that made it so successful. These include the many volunteers from Lake Hospitals under the direction of Laura Cahill. They also donated the use of two trucks and made posters. Thanks must go to Jackie Stanton of Metro Health Hospitals and Mike Moats of LEAP. Sam Rutigliano who promoted the program on Channel 3

Other volunteers included many individuals who called and just asked to help. We also must acknowledge the many sponsors who came forward and donated money to buy the banners and rent the trucks.

The next step is now to obtain funding in order to operate the program. This includes someone to head the program, an assistant to help process the requests, funds to fix donated equipment and buy batteries which can cost $100 to $200 for electric wheel chairs, a vehicle or trailer to pick up and deliver equipment to Auburn for repairing and to deliver the medical equipment to the disability agencies for the clients who have need of them; a computer for records, a copy and fax machine, phones and other needed items. Luckily we have a large storage facility without cost thanks to Bennett Machine & Stamping.

We will be in contact with foundations and governmental bodies to make applications for the needed funds. If anyone can help us with Finding grants please call Frank Ashton at 440-428-6743 or e mail him at fashton@windstream.net