SEQUIM — Medical equipment, such as walkers and wheelchairs, is available to the community once more.

Staffed by Soroptimist International of Sequim, the Medical Loan Closet has reopened for use, offering numerous pieces of equipment, including transport chairs, bath transfer seats, shower seats, bed rails, knee scooters, canes, crutches and the aforementioned walkers and wheelchairs.

The equipment is free of charge for up to three months.

Equipment pickup is by appointment only. For information and to arrange for a loan or return of equipment, call the automated telephone number at 360-504-0231; a volunteer will respond and set up an appointment. Pick up is at The Sequim Stow Place, 600 N. Sequim Ave.

Because of health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Medical Loan Closet had been accepting only equipment returns and donations with a contactless process since March 15.

Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County stepped up and loaned medical equipment to the Sequim community while the closet was closed, Soroptimist representatives said.

With current COVID restrictions and Sequim Soroptimist protocols, individuals using the loan closet are required to wear masks, maintain social distancing and wait in their cars until it is their turn to either borrow or return equipment.

Donations are welcomed and used to purchase new equipment and pay rent on the storage units where the equipment is stored.

Soroptimist International of Sequim is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and donations are tax deductible.

For more information about the Medical Loan Closet, call 360-504-0231.