Simplified: Owen's Outfitters, a nonprofit medical device lending library, is serving about three times as many people today as they were just over a year ago. The organization has also gained recent prominence as the beneficiary of the Lallycooler Music Festival, and Executive Director Mike Turner was recently recognized by the Thunderbirds. Here's the latest on this fast-growing nonprofit.
Why it matters
- Owen's Outfitters opened in 2022 in honor of Owen Turner, son of founders Mike and Eleanor. Owen was born with a chromosomal abnormality that required lifelong medical attention and various equipment – much of which was denied by insurance. He died at age 12 in September 2021.
- The Turner family started Owen's Outfitters to help ensure people have access to the medical equipment they need. They accept donations, and then pass along that equipment to anyone who needs it without an extensive application process or income verification.
- Owen's Outfitters is also keeping literal tons of medical equipment out of the landfill. This year alone, the nonprofit has saved 84 tons of equipment from being thrown out and given out $3.7 million worth of medical supplies. It's all made possible by people donating the things they're not using.
"It's not like we (as a nonprofit) are donating millions of dollars," Turner said. "It's all of these people who have said, 'I wanna pay it forward. I don't need this thing anymore. I want another family to have it.'"
Tell me more about the growth
Owen's Outfitters moved to a 10,000-square-foot warehouse space last summer, which dramatically increased capacity to accept donations and help more families.
- Last month alone, the nonprofit served 939 families – a roughly threefold increase from the 351 families served in April 2025 before the move to the larger location.
In addition to serving more people, the nonprofit is also honing its system of volunteers and workers – including partnerships with places like the Department of Labor to help re-train folks re-entering the workforce.
- Owen's Outfitters helps these people learn both hard skills like managing inventory and soft skills like showing up on time and helping customers.
Some of the growth is also thanks to an increasing public profile. Owen's Outfitters was recently selected as the nonprofit supported by the Lallycooler music festival – offering space for building awareness as well as financial contributions.
What's the Thunderbird thing?
Turner was als0 recently recognized as a U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds "Hometown Hero," meaning he got a chance to ride in an F-16 during the air show earlier this month.
"I was just blown away, unbelievably lucky," Turner said. "Every element of it, from beginning to end, they (Thunderbirds) make you feel like a superstar."
How can I support Owen's Outfitters?
Drop off your unused medical equipment and supplies. They'll take everything from bandaids and toothbrushes to hospital beds and motorized wheelchairs.
"When in doubt, drop it off," Turner said.
You can also support the nonprofit by attending the inaugural Game Night fundraiser event coming up on Sept. 19. The event will be a night full of fun with games, prizes and time to celebrate the volunteers and donors who make Owen's Outfitters' work possible. Learn more and get your tickets here.
