ARDMORE, OK - One Ardmore man is giving back after he saw a need to help the elderly in the community. His non-profit organization restores and sanitizes medical equipment for people in need, and now he needs help to keep the program going. Claudia de la Pena has his story.

Dan Kerkstra started the Medical Equipment Assistance Program to help the elderly who aren't financially equipped to buy their own medical supplies. It's a program Sara Kerley at the Good Shepherd Community Clinic in Ardmore says is making a difference.

"I am extremely grateful for Dan. The things that people ask for, I always want to help, and he actually enables us to be successful with patients," she says.

Kerstra founded the Medical Equipment Assistance Program started 3 years ago while working for a medical supply company.

" Things like bedside commodes,walkers, those kind of items are bought items. Once they are placed in the home, you cannot bring them back, and they can not resell it," Kerstra says.

Ardmore Medical Equipment Assistance Program, or M.E.A.P., is a non-profit organization that receives donated medical equipment, with the goal to lend these items to people without insurance or means to buy them on their own.

"Medicare doesn't always pay for a good portion of these expense items. They are very expensive, and so we can provide them for the elderly. It saves on their monthly budget," Kerley says.

Kerley says she calls Kerkstra when someone needs minor repairs or medical equipment.

"I have to sanitize it and clean, just for everybody's peace of mind," he explains.

M.E.A.P is handled almost entirely by Kerkstra out of his home. He says right now the demand exceeds the donations he receives. Kerkstra says by donating used medical equipment it can meet the needs for the community by using the resources they already have.

"You know use it, just don't just leave it in the yard, don't just throw it in the corner. Let somebody use it if they can, and that what it's about. One neighbor helping out another neighbor because we are all struggling at times."

Kerkstra says he will take monetary donations or other items, such as a lift chairs or nebulizers. You can call 580-490-1833 if you can help.