HELPING THE COMMUNITY MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Make a Difference publishes the wish-lists of non-profit organizations in our area, connecting our readers with those groups in the community who are in need of new or gently-used items.
If your organization would like to be included, send details to Meredith Moss: MMoss@coxohio.com Please include a daytime phone number.
A picture is worth a thousand words so we were delighted to receive a photo of a room filled with diabetes supplies, the result of our last request to readers from the folks at Diabetes Dayton.
“We are so appreciative of your articles; they really help us help those in need who are living with diabetes in our community, especially the needs of those who are uninsured or have poor coverage,” says Susan McGovern, the executive director of the non-profit.
The local, independent diabetes organization is not affiliated with national agencies such as the ADA or JDRF. That means, according to McGovern, that all donations remain local to help those with diabetes manage their disease to live quality, healthy lives.
In addition to the supply assistance program, the group also offers free, AADE-accredited diabetes self-management classes, camps for youth with Type 1, pre and Type 2 Diabetes, community screenings, resource referral and an annual Diabetes Expo.
What They Need
* Unopened syringes of all sizes
* Pen needles
* Alcohol swabs
“These are things that even some folks with insurance coverage find themselves having to pay for out-of pocket,” says McGovern.
* Unopened, unexpired test strips
* Insulin pump supplies — especially quick sets for more recent model pumps
“Due to the generosity of donors from your past articles, we are actually at capacity for and not accepting glucometers and lancets at this time,” McGovern says. “I never thought we’d be able to say that, but we do need to make space for those medical supplies that are highest in demand, which at the moment seem to be syringes.”
Items can be dropped off at the Diabetes Dayton’s office, 2555 S. Dixie Drive (one-half mile north of Dorothy Lane), Suite 112, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Other ways to help:
For those who’d like to help with camp, McGovern says the biggest need is monetary donations to help send campers who are unable to afford it.
“It would also be great if someone would cover camp T-shirts for us,” she adds.
Diabetes Dayton is a United Way partner agency that also relies on grants, memorials, corporate contributions and its annual fundraiser, “Big Brews and Blues,” slated for Friday, May 16, at Carillon Park.
For more information, call (937) 220-6611 or visit www.diabetesdayton.org.
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