Refill with Randy: Medical Loan Closet makes a big difference in community

By Randy LeBaron

Jason Cogovan, left, discusses The Medical Loan Closet in Medina with Randy LeBaron.

Good morning! Grab your favorite cup. Fill it up. And let’s start this day right… TOGETHER!!!

First and foremost I want to thank everyone who reached out to tell me they were glad to have Refill back. I appreciate you all and look forward to sharing more positive stories and highlighting the people and organizations that make me glad to be a part of Orleans County.

On that note, today I want to share about a valuable resource that many may not be aware of. I am talking about The Medical Loan Closet which is located at 711 Park Ave. in Medina inside The Olde Pickle Factory. The Loan Closet is run by the Medina Lions Club and I had a chance to sit down and have coffee with Jason Cogovan who co-chairs The Loan Closet with fellow member Dave Bellucci.

Jason, who has only been a member since 2023 after retiring from his work in Corrections, said that he was interested in joining the Lions Club because it was something his grandfather had been very involved with and he really connected with their motto, “We Serve.”

Jason describes the Lions Club as a non-political service organization that helps local communities and the world. Just this past year the organization helped with the Medina Yard Sale, helped people in need of glasses and hearing aids, had over 400 calls to The Medical Loan Closet, and even sent surplus inventory to Ukraine to help people in need in that war-torn country. In addition to the many other events that the Lions Club assists with each year the members are encouraged to take turns being on call with The Loan Closet two weeks at a time to oversee pick-ups and drop-offs.

The Medical Loan Closet is located at 711 Park Ave. at the Olde Pickle Factory in Medina. (The Kendall Lions Club also runs a medical loan closet for people in eastern Orleans County.)

Not long ago I called in myself to inquire about getting a lift chair for a friend who fell in her home, resulting in badly bruised knees and a broken neck. Having to wear a neck brace for 7 weeks along with complications with her knees made leaning back, and getting out of, her recliner very difficult so a specialized chair was suggested.

After making the initial call I was able to put my friend Jeanne Martillotta of Albion and her husband Walt in touch with Jason who was able to provide them with not just any chair but one that had belonged to Jason’s father Ray and which has already been used by a few different individuals since being donated. Jeanne was very thankful for having access to the chair during a difficult time and will now be bringing it back to The Closet for the next person to use.

Jeanne Martillotta appreciates use of a recliner after a recent injury.

When borrowing something from The Loan Closet there is a contract signed by the community member which includes an estimation of how long the item will be used for before being returned. Jason said that people are very appreciative of having access to these items and seem happy to return them for the next person to use.

There have also been times, including this past week, where Jason is driving to The Closet after picking an item up only to get a call requesting that exact item. When asked who could borrow from the closet Jason said the only requirement was to have a need. Though The Loan Closet is primarily promoted throughout Orleans County it is not uncommon to get a request from another county without a Loan Closet and Medina is happy to help.

Another thing I asked Jason, since the Medina Lions Club does not charge any fees for these services, is if they accept donations. His response was that they do but that it’s not necessary because the reality is that the items are already being donated for free by community members and even the space where the inventory is stored has been generously donated by Roger Hungerford, the owner of The Olde Pickle Factory. The Lions Club simply view themselves facilitators making it possible for community members to help other community members.

Currently, The Loan Closet has an inventory of hospital beds, lift chairs, wheel chairs, walkers, canes, scooters, commodes, shower safety equipment, etc. along with other supplies such as bed sheets, adult diapers, and more.

Although assistance in transporting items may be possible depending on the circumstance it is recommended that individuals plan to provide their own way of picking up or dropping off items.

So, if you or someone you know either has a need or has something to donate all you need to do is call (585) 205-3502 and a member will be happy to assist you.

See you in 2 weeks!

Pastor Randy