Islanders in need of crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair don’t need to look very far.

The Orcas Senior Center has formed a partnership with the Orcas Island Lions and its sister organization, the Bellingham Central Lion’s Club, to provide the care and maintenance of clean and functional medical assistant products. They have crutches, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, commodes, bathchairs, and now, with donations from the lions club, the center offers electric scooters and electric chairs.

“We try to take some of the stress out of preparation for surgeries, which involves getting all those convalescent needs assembled beforehand,” said Orcas Lion Barbara Trunkey.

The senior center loans equipment for a weekend, a week, a year – however long the item is needed. Lions Club members are at the senior center from 9 to 11 a.m. every Wednesday and Friday to give out equipment. If at any time the equipment needs repair, patrons can return it and pick up a new item.

“This is another wonderful reason to thank a local Lion,” Trunkey said.

The lions club has also donated a fold up, 26-pound transport wheelchair, which can fit into most cars with little difficulty. It can support a rider up to 250 pounds. The transport chair can be used for a few hours or the entire day.

A call ahead to 376-2271 can reserve the transport chair. Drive up to the senior center portico, fold up the transport chair, and off you go. After using the transport chair, drop it back at the senior center.