Wheelchair drive makes difference

PHOTO PROVIDED

Mary Sayler was able to witness this bright smile in Honduras from an 8-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who received a wheelchair for the first time thanks to donations through Central American Medical Outreach.

 

Mary Sayler has witnessed the profound impact a donated wheelchair can make in someone’s life.

The volunteer coordinator for Central American Medical Outreach Inc., based in Orrville, recalls vividly an 8-year-old girl in Honduras with cerebral palsy who was presented with a wheelchair and had never had one before.

“The smile on her face,” Sayler said. “Somebody had donated a little motorized wheelchair. It was the perfect size for her.”

Donations of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes and other items are improving the lives of residents in Central America.

Kidron Kars is doing its annual wheelchair drive this week. Anyone is welcome to drop off items that are still usable and in good shape during business hours Aug. 27-29 and 31 at 97 Kidron Road.

“Wheelchairs will be refurbished and used down there,” said Gordon Amstutz, retired owner of Kidron Kars, which is now owned by his son, Blaine. “It’s a worthwhile thing and we’ve always been interested in it.”

Blaine Amstutz said the dealership is happy to be part of the good cause.

“I’m continually amazed at the depth and reach of it,” Blaine Amstutz said about CAMO.

Founded by registered nurse and Peace Corps volunteer Kathy Tschiegg in 1993, CAMO is a non-profit international humanitarian-aid organization delivering education, medical services and community development to Central America. The organization provides more than 140,000 life-saving services to those in need.

Read the complete story in the Aug. 26, 2020 edition.