MS Helping Hands: One of the most successful charities in the U.S right here in Edmonds - Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Information, and resources

Did you know that Edmonds has one of the most successful charities/resources in the country — the MS Helping Hands-MSHH Donor Closet?

Founded in October 1999 by Bill and Carol Brayer of Edmonds, the Donor Closet has had to relocate four times, beginning at the Brayers’ home and now at its current location at 409 Howell Way. There is no other resource like it in the country. The current facility has 7,500 square feet of space containing durable medical equipment and mobility equipment all under one roof behind Petosa’s Family Market and directly under the Pancake Haus.

The MSHH Donor Closet was originally intended to be a resource for recycling durable medical equipment and mobility equipment to people with Multiple Sclerosis who are denied these items from Medicare, Medicaid, DSHH, insurance companies and other social service agencies. The items are recycled for suggested minimum donations.

Soon after its inception, however, it became clear that the need for such a service was far more widespread and should include not only people with MS, but any person with special physical and financial needs. Since then, the Donor Closet has recycled over 100,000 items of durable medical and mobility equipment to numerous people with MS and/or other special needs throughout the state of Washington.

MS Helping Hands–MSHH, which includes the Donor Closet, is a non-profit, all volunteer 501 (c) (3) corporation licensed and registered in the State of Washington. Since it is an all-volunteer organization, MSHH has no administrative expenses, only monthly operating costs. After all monthly operating costs are paid, the net proceeds resulting from the minimum suggested donations received for the recycled equipment are used to provide financial assistance grants to people with MS who live in Washington state and who are undergoing financial hardships.

Over $335,000 has been paid directly to the creditors of people with MS. In addition to these grants, the financial assistance grant program often assists people with MS who aren’t able to obtain Donor Closet items by providing the minimum suggested donations.

On the last Saturday of each month, the Donor Closet holds a drawing for a free recycled scooter or power chair for a person with MS who does not already have either one. In addition, MSHH is hosting an open house the remaining two Saturdays in March from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Information will be available on MS, and there will be free hot dogs, chips, cookies, soda and bottled water. There will also be a drawing each week at 2 p.m. for a free scooter or power chair. You must be present to win.

For additional information about MS Helping Hands-MSHH or the Donor Closet call 425-712-1804 for MSHH, or 425-712-1807 for the Donor Closet.