T-R PHOTO BY CHUCK FRIEND
Local American Legion member Paul Heckman of Marshalltown stands among hospital and medical equipment loaned free-of-charge by the Legion to families or individuals in need.

With the nation’s elderly population living longer, coupled with mobility challenges and other health concerns, the Frank Lewis Glick Post 46 of the American Legion provides a public service — free-of-charge use of medical equipment.

“There is no charge to use any of the equipment except for commodes,” Legion Equipment Coordinator Paul Heckman said.

Some of the more common requests are for shower chairs, stool risers, as well as walkers, wheelchairs, crutches and canes.

Heckman said more than 500 items have been checked out to area residents.

“All equipment is recorded when checked out, and should be returned to the Legion when finished so it can be checked back in.”

According to Heckman, the service was started 40 years ago by the late World War II veteran and businessman Hjelmer Hellberg.

Later, son Vic Hellberg took over storing equipment at his downtown business.

However, when the Hellbergs needed the space in October 2017, Heckman took over project management and moved it to a building on American Legion grounds.

Donations are still welcomed.

“If a person wants to give a donation for the use of the equipment, we just use it to buy more equipment,” Heckman said.

Residents with a need for equipment should contact Heckman at 641-750-0459.

He said arrangements can be made to meet him at his home or the Legion. When done using equipment, they are asked to make arrangements with Heckman for return.