Loans still on hold

By Ashley M. Casey

Associate Editor

Baldwinsville’s Female Charitable Society, one of the nation’s oldest charitable organizations run primarily by women, is picking up the pieces after an electrical fire damaged the medical equipment loan closet at 10 River St. on March 1.

While the loan closet remains closed pending repairs, the FCS has set up shop temporarily at 14 River St., the society’s storage and repair building. The interim facility will be open 10 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday for returns only. Due to space constraints, the FCS is unable to lend equipment or accept donated equipment for the time being.

“Both hours and services will be reduced, but we felt compelled to maintain a presence — and we also need to have a means to accept returns of our equipment when it is no longer needed,” FCS member Sue McManus wrote in an email to the Messenger. “At this time we don’t know how long we will be displaced but hope to be back in full operating mode sometime this spring.”

The FCS loan closet contained about 2,400 pieces of medical equipment such as canes, hospital beds and wheelchairs, available to residents of the Baldwinsville Central School District for temporary use. The loan closet program began in 1928, and the FCS was founded in 1817.

Until the FCS loan closet is back up and running, people in need of home medical equipment can contact AccessCNY, located at 1603 Court St. in Syracuse. McManus said there is no charge to borrow equipment from AccessCNY and there is no residency requirement. AccessCNY also accepts equipment donations. For more information, call 315-455-7591 or visit accesscny.org.

FCS board members met Thursday, March 5, to work out an action plan and prepare the backup space.

“The place was abuzz with activity Thursday afternoon as items were consolidated to make room for returns, cobwebs were removed, floors were cleaned and the seldom used, hard-water encrusted bathroom was attacked with a ferocity that was absolutely awesome!” McManus said. “Folding chairs and table were borrowed. Our hairdresser neighbor, Andrea, came in with her cleaning supplies and pitched in as well. At the end of the day it was obvious that we would be able to be open Monday, [March 9].”

McManus said the FCS board has not had time to consider fundraising options yet, as members have been focused on dealing with the immediate aftermath of the fire.

“We have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of kindness that has been showered upon us. Baldwinsville may be relatively small in size, but it has a heart bigger than all of New York,” she said.

FCS Treasurer Joan Osier told the Messenger in an email that the organization welcomes donations.

“While we are not sure what our needs will be yet as we work with the insurance company to cover our loss, contributions are welcome and can be sent to 10 River St. in Baldwinsville,” Osier wrote. “While the fire is devastating, the fact that we live in such a wonderful generous community is truly heartwarming.”