Origins of popular Brainerd medical program a mystery
Some things in life can’t be explained. They just “are.”
One of those things exists in the back hallway of The Salvation Army in Brainerd, Minn. Behind a door is a tiny room filled with wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and other medical equipment (pictured). Almost every day, at least one Brainerd local will come by to pick up an item or donate one. It’s like a Little Free Library, but with medical stuff.
The program’s origin is a mystery.
“We don’t know when this program started or how it came to be,” chuckled Lt. Grant Holloway (pictured), co-leader of the Brainerd Salvation Army. “It just is.”
The unnamed program is known by pretty much everyone in town. That includes a 53-year-old woman named Ann, who stopped by for a walker last week.
“I keep falling down – the other day I fell at the bagel store,” said Ann, who recently underwent surgery to treat the varicose veins in her legs. “A walker will make it easier for me to be a little more steady.”
“Steady” on her feet, and also in her finances. Ann is poor and cannot afford much of anything, medical supplies especially. She collects a disability check once a month.
“That’s all I have to live on,” Ann said. “Nothing’s cheap at the medical store, so I really enjoy The Salvation Army being in our area. They’re just wonderful people and they have good programs.”
The medical equipment is vital to people like Ann who cannot afford to rent medical equipment, much less buy it.
“When you don’t have any money,” Holloway explained, “what are you supposed to do? Where are you supposed to go? We are happy to offer this service for people trying to make ends meet.”
In addition to the medical equipment exchange, the Brainerd Salvation Army operates a robust social services program and the largest food shelf in Crow Wing County.
Please join The Salvation Army by volunteering or making a donation to support your local community.