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loves dining out, so Hersey forces Jenny to order the food she wants when they go to a restaurant. Jenny, who really wants to eat, reluctantly communicates.

It’s this sort of anecdote that offers insight into Hersey’s tough, pragmatic style of supportiveness and kindness.

She prefers to talk about the DME’s needs: “We need more space, at least 5,000 square feet. Right now we are renting a storage unit across the street. If we had more space we could help more people,” she says. “We need more volunteers — people who like to fix things, who are good with their hands, they can help in the warehouse, and people who can clean the equipment.”

They need a new vehicle, too. When Waldorf’s van was in the shop for repairs, equipment deliveries and set-ups had to wait.

They need hospital mattresses, wheelchairs and other medical equipment. And money. They really need money.

DME Exchange makes a positive environmental impact, too, she points out.

“Recycling equipment reduces waste from discarded items that would go into landfills, and it saves resources used to manufacture new equipment.”

DME Exchange has been recognized by WFAA TV station’s Project Green, which financially rewards environmentally responsible nonprofits.

“We are small, but we are doing big work,” Hersey says, noting that they have served 1,247 individuals and provided 1,868 pieces of durable medical equipment to patients since opening three years ago.

“The hospital and social workers and the people we help are so grateful for what we do for them,” Hersey says.

Before heading off to a DME Exchange fundraising event, she shares a letter from a recent customer:

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” it reads. “The donation of medical equipment to me has made my life and my transition from the hospital an amazing journey. I did not know how I could manage – but y’all made it possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”

HOW TO HELP:

Donate tax-deductible, durable medical equipment including wheelchairs, walkers, canes, bedside equipment and crutches Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. to 12015 Shiloh, Suite 130 (near Northwest Highway). For pickups of larger items such as mattresses or scooters, schedule pickup by calling 214.997.3639.

Donate cash through dfwdmeexchange.org or mail a check to DME Exchange of Dallas at P.O. Box 25575, Dallas, TX, 75225-5575.

Volunteer. Schedule volunteer training by calling 214.997.3639.