Simplified: Owen's Outfitters, a medical lending library, launched just a couple years ago in Mike and Eleanor Turner's basement. Now, the nonprofit is officially moved into a warehouse with room to keep up with lightning-fast growth.
Why it matters
- Owen's Outfitters collects used medical equipment and gives it to folks who need it – no restrictions, no income qualifications, just two minutes of paperwork. The nonprofit was also the beneficiary of the second annual A Little Help campaign earlier this year, and Sioux Falls Simplified readers raised $4,300 to support its operation.
- In addition to the funding, the stories accompanying that fundraiser helped the Turners connect with local commercial real estate agent Marcus Mahlen, who ultimately connected them with the new warehouse and office space just a block west of Minnesota Avenue and Russell Street. Previously, Owen's Outfitters was located in the Nonprofit Center on West Avenue.
- The location is strategic, Executive Director Mike Turner said. His goal was to find a space easily accessible by public transit so as many people as possible are able to get the medical equipment they need.
- With more room, Owen's Outfitters is also now poised to accept more donations, including medical supply drives from community groups, and with that will come more opportunities for volunteer support.
"We've started describing it as growing up a little bit," Turner said. "It's obvious we're reaching another stage, and it feels like we're going to mature as an organization."
Tell me more about Owen's Outfitters
Owen's Outfitters continues to see growing demand for services.
- In June alone, the organization gave away more than $275,000 worth of medical equipment, and each month that number's grown about 10 to 15%, Turner said.
With more space, the organization will be able to help even more people.
Owen’s Outfitters is keeping literal tons of medical supplies out of the landfill
Owen’s Outfitters, a medical device lending library serving the Sioux Falls area, has saved more than 56,000 pounds – or 28 tons – of medical supplies from being added to the landfill.
Megan Raposa
That includes families like Tammy and Loren Roth, who received an accessible minivan for free.
How a 16-year-old van became a life-changing gift
“You don’t expect something like this to happen, but then when it does, it’s humbling the number of people who want to help,” Tammy Roth said.
Megan Raposa
That also includes partnerships with dozens of community organizations who rely on Owen's Outfitters to help provide medical supplies.
Why accessible medical supplies can be life changing
“No matter how good services are, no matter how well-managed big organizations are, there are gonna be cracks for people to fall through,” Board Member Elizabeth Hanson said. “Owen’s Outfitters is one of those entities that is there to catch those people that fall through the cracks.”
Megan Raposa
Really, at the heart of the organization, though, is two parents working to create a legacy for their late son.
Owen’s Outfitters is simplifying how folks in need get medical equipment
The organization has given away more than $1.4 million worth of medical supplies since opening in 2022.
Megan RaposaHow can I help?
There are a few different ways to get involved, all of which you can learn more about on the nonprofit's website:
- Volunteer. With more space, Owen's Outfitters has a greater need now for regular volunteers to help clean, organize and track equipment coming in as well as helping folks coming in needing help find what they need.
- Host a drive. The nonprofit also now has the space to hold more equipment, which means they can now say yes to the church groups, community organizations or businesses who want to host a medical device drive.
- Donate. A bigger building also means bigger expenses. Donations can help support Owen's Outfitters in this time of growth and transition.
- Spread the word. Do you know someone who needs medical equipment? Or do you have stuff lying around that you're no longer using? Owen's Outfitters will take everything from bandages to hospital beds.
