Last October, three women from the White House Church of Christ were led to open a medical equipment and supplies ministry in their hometown.

Joyce Eller, Jennifer Bedwell, and Kimetha Brooks are the three behind the ministry who volunteer their time to help those in need. The ministry, aptly named White House Medical Equipment Ministry, operates out of the White House Church of Christ in White House, Tennessee.

“Our minister was familiar with the established (medical equipment) ministry at Hendersonville Church of Church and introduced us to their manager. We decided to start one in our community as an outreach for our church,” recalls Joyce.

Shortly after that introduction, the women were hard at work collecting items–some of which were donated by Hendersonville Church of Christ’s ministry–and preparing a space in their church to store their inventory.  Members of the congregation came together, volunteering to help with the much-needed renovations.

“We had an open house along with our church Fall Festival on October 21, 2023,” says Joyce. “This was following weeks of painting, renovating and stocking…we all make a great team.”

In just a few months, the ministry has already made an impact on the community. They have been able to collect items of all types. From adult diapers, to wheelchairs and walkers, to medical grade beds, the White House Medical Equipment Ministry has a wide range of offerings.

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“It gives us great pleasure to serve others in a time of need,” reflects Joyce. “People are so appreciative and surprised that the items are free-of-charge.”

According to Joyce, all someone needs to do to take home an item is complete a form with their basic information and sign a liability waiver. No doctor’s note or income verification required.

Additionally, the ministry accepts donations from anyone looking to pass on a piece of equipment they no longer need. Provided the item is in good condition and the ministry has the space for it, donors can bring their items by during their open hours or call them to arrange pick up for larger items.

If it’s a large item, it might be a good idea to call ahead to see if they have room for it.

It’s also worth noting that The White House Medical Equipment Ministry cannot accept prescribed, fitted shoes or boots, prescription glasses, or anything of that nature. They also reject damaged items.

With many positive stories to tell already, Joyce is particularly fond of one recent philanthropic effort.

“It was rewarding to us, as well as the person donating, to be able to provide a hydraulic patient lift to a family with a special needs little girl. With the lift, grandparents can help with her care, freeing up time for the parents. We picked it up and delivered it in one trip,” says Joyce.

The White House Medical Equipment Ministry is open on Mondays from 10 am to 1 pm at 205 Spring Street, White House, TN. They encourage you to come by, check out their space, and visit with their ministry mascot, Lucy, a ten-month-old puppy.

You can reach out to them by phone at (615) 398-0904, email at medicalministry@whcoc.com, or follow them on Facebook where they check their messages daily and sometimes can accommodate any needs outside of their Monday office hours.

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