The Youngtown Community Fund, doing business as the Medical Equipment Lending Center, will host an open house to allow residents to tour the facility and find out what is available.

The open house is scheduled 1-3 p.m. Friday, March 31 at the center, 11215 W. Nevada Ave., Unit A, Youngtown. Refreshments and light snacks will be served. 

The Medical Lending Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that loans durable medical equipment at no cost for up to four months to northwest valley residents, including Youngtown, Peoria, Sun City West, El Mirage, Surprise, Wittmann and surrounding areas facing recovery from illness, surgery, accident or other medical crisis. The center regularly services about 150 clients per month and volunteers and staff work with clients and their caregivers to help ensure they are loaned medical equipment suiting their needs. 

“Many older adults who have had surgeries or a fall need help with the challenges of aging and don’t have the funds or wherewithal to purchase new equipment they would only use for a few months,” said Madelon Jeffreys, Youngtown Community Fund board president. “That’s why we are here — to help.   And we always welcome donations, no matter what size, to purchase new equipment and maintain our facilities.”

The event is being conducted to increase exposure and awareness of the nonprofit’s services to those who may have a need in the future and those who would be interested in supporting the nonprofits mission in the community. The agency was formed in the early-1960s by a group of concerned Youngtown residents who saw an unfulfilled need for those living there. Their purpose was to assist those needing financial help and provide the community with the loan of medical equipment for short-term use.

The nonprofit continues to grow to meet the needs of the community and began talks about future expansion and a new, larger location.

As a special offer at the open house, the Medical Lending Center is hosting a “Keep Your Cool” raffle for a ductless 1.5-ton mini-split air conditioning unit valued at $3,000. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20. Only 600 tickets will be sold. The drawing will be conducted right after the last ticket is sold and the winner will be notified by phone. The prize does not include installation and the winner can hire the HVAC company of their choice. This raffle is sponsored by Roger Cox AC and Heating in Youngtown.

Call 623-977-4661. The office is open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Saturday.