During the course of this week every Carson City school will receive a new wheelchair, thanks to a donation from the Carson City Host Lions Club.
"All the wheelchairs in our schools are very old and in need of repair," said Marena Works, chief nurse for the Carson City School District. "It was wonderful to be contacted with this offer."
As part of a grant through the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas, the club received 1,000 wheelchairs to distribute throughout Northern Nevada.
The Nevada Wheelchair Foundation will be giving away 7,000 to 10,000 wheelchairs throughout Nevada over the next five years.
So far, Marco Manor of the Host Lions Club said he has delivered about 200 chairs.
"It's phenomenal," he said. "When you have someone who can't afford a wheelchair and you give them mobility, it's a wonderful feeling. My payback is a hug."
On Monday, club representatives delivered 12 electric wheelchairs to the school district office. Those chairs will be distributed to each school throughout this week.
Works said the wheelchairs on campus are used to transport students who have been injured or are ill.
She said they are especially useful at the high school after sports injuries and students have to be wheeled across the lengthy campus to awaiting parents.
Students are also wheeled out of the school when they have been extremely sick and are weak.
"They're really important," Works said. "It's a safety thing. Maybe that kid can walk but it's better for them to be in a wheelchair where they can't fall down.
"We use them regularly and we're thrilled to have them."
Works said one broken wheelchair was donated to the drama department. Some schools will keep their old chairs as a back-up, others will donate the wheelchairs to be renovated and put back into use.
The club will also be delivering wheelchairs to the Douglas County School District.
Anyone in need of a free wheelchair, call Marco Manor at 267-4794 in Carson City; Ron Santi at 267-2774 in the Carson Valley; and Hugh Lantz at 359-5029 in Washoe County.
Contact Teri Vance at tvance@nevadaappeal.com or at 881-1272.
