Editor’s note: Last week I updated on the Medical Loan Closet …I thought it was still operated by The Soroptimist group and that the Hospital Foundation had only taken over the Second Chances thrift shop …but the foundation took over both activities so this is the correct information …

Second Chances Medical Loan Closet (MELC) has an abundance of wheelchairs, cruiser walkers, commodes, bath benches etc .all for loan for free or by donation. Please stop by if you are in need of any of these items.

Second Chances was temporarily closed due to COVID regulations and recently re-opened under new management. During this time SIORF turned over the operation of the MELC and Second Chances to the Forks Hospital Foundation. You will still see many of the same friendly faces running the shop in addition to many new faces from the foundation. We also sell RADA knives that are great for your home or for gifts.

The store will be open Wednesdays 12-4, Thursdays 9-1, Fridays 12-4, Sundays 12-4 for now until we get more volunteers. It is located at 140 Spartan Avenue next to Leppell’s Flowers and across from the Forks Middle School.

Pat Kain, former SIORF member, created Second Chances a few years back to provide Medical Equipment for loan to West End residents and high-end women’s clothing at very low prices. The funds raised are used to support SOS (Soroptimist Oncology Support) which provides money to cancer patients for transportation expenses to receive treatment in Sequim or Seattle. The shop also houses about 200 dressy AND prom dresses available to women and girls for free or for sale.

Want to help? We are looking for quality volunteers to help run the shop. The job entails being available to accept good, quality clothing from the community, putting it out on the racks, sorting and purging to make room for new items, checking in or out Medical Equipment to West End community members, vacuuming occasionally. If you are interested, please stop by on a Wednesday for more information or call Diane at 360-640-3186.