Donations for Casco seniors received for Senior Services Lending Closet

A truckload of useful items donated by Casco Township residents for seniors with physical needs was recently received by Senior Services of Van Buren County (SSVBC) for their Lending Closet. The items, including wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and shower chairs, are available for use by Casco seniors and others. Items can be checked out for short term use or kept if needed.

"Everybody's having surgeries! Hips, knees, feet-- seniors can borrow wheelchairs, walkers, whatever they need as they come out of the hospital and rehab. We loan things out from the Lending Closet so people don't have to buy these things while they recover," Rhonda Wilson explained. "We have already loaned out items to Casco seniors in need," she said.

The Lending Closet is a central resource that serves all of the remote sites, not just the Casco Township site. People needing items to help with physical limitations or limited mobility may contact Rhonda Wilson at 269-682-0477.

Left to right, Fred Lamlin, Rhonda Wilson, and Mitch Smothers load the many donations to the Lending Closet

Rhonda Wilson, accompanied by SSVBC volunteers Fred Lamlin and Mitch Smothers, made quick work loading the pickup truck to capacity on a hot August day. The items had been stored in the Casco Township Hall fire station garage, but that area is being cleared out ahead of a renovation slated for September. The garage, vacated by SHAES more than a decade ago, will become the Casco Senior satellite site when the renovation is completed in 2026.

The Lending Closet donations from Casco Township were cleaned, sanitized, and marked with a sharpie for use by Casco residents and others. "We love the items!" Executive Director Diane Rigozzi said.

Casco residents age 60 and older wishing to participate in SSVBS programming can attend cards, exercise, and dessert at the Casco Township site (7104 107th Avenue) on Mondays, Thursdays or Fridays, or numerous activities including lunch at the main site (8337 M-140, South Haven, MI 49090). Call 269-637-3607 for the most accurate schedule and activity details.