Save Those Empty Medicine Bottles!!

Mindy Hammonds explained that one way the Hands of Hope family clinic saves money is to use donated medicine bottles.

So today I searched out a cardboard box from the tornado shelter and will label it before Sunday and place it in the church hallway. I had taken bottles there before so this was not new information to me, but several had no idea that their old bottles could have practical value to someone else.

Mindy told us that we do not even need to remove the labels since they have volunteers who put the bottles in a steamer that takes care of removing them. The first time I took bottles there, I had conscientiously removed the labels. What a job!! And what a relief to find that was not necessary. You may of course if you desire for privacy, but you don't need to for the clinic's sake.

If you live in Williamson, Johnson, or Franklin Counties, just drop your bottles by Hands of Hope Family Clinic at 808 West Prairie in Marion. Or better yet, collect as a group, and then only one person will need to make the delivery trip. That saving of gas can help our environment even as your medicine bottles help the working families who cannot afford health care.

If you live elsewhere, find out if there is a clinic somewhere near you that could use your empty bottles after you use the meds. The clinic brochure tells us that nationwise, over 44 million Americans are either uninsured or underinsured. Putting off needed health care creates more serious problems for those who are already struggling to live on a low income.

The Hands of Hope Family Clinic accepts no fees for services and cannot bill Medicaid for public assistance. These families are not elgible for such help because they are working and make more than allowed.

The brochure explains, "The clinic is organized as a tax-exempt , Illinois not-for-profit corporation and is governed by a board of directors made up of area health care and public health oficials, business professionals, physicians, clergy, and lay people. Day to day operations of the clinic are overseen by a paid director and two part-time employees. All other medical, nursing care, case management services, and clerical support is provided by volunteers."

If you have time and needed skills to volunteer, see if you can help. If you have money to donate, the clinic can use it. Otherwise, save those empty medicine bottles and help out in this small way!