The Melbourne Beach Volunteer Fire Department is made up of two organizations. There is the Fire Department which is a part of the Town of Melbourne Beach, funded within the town’s budget, and the Melbourne Beach Volunteer Fire Department, Inc, a 501(c) (3) corporation which raises funds used for retention of members, a community fire prevention program, donations to the town fire department and community events throughout the year.

When we heard of the Oakland Firefighters Random Acts program, we knew it was a valuable effort that we could bring to our community. All of our members have felt the same as those in the Oakland Fire Department, the belief that we could help to make a difference in other ways besides our emergency response work.

One of our members recently heard of a woman, Janice Andres, who was in need of a wheelchair. She is on disability and recently moved. She did not have the funds available to purchase the wheelchair due to the expense of moving. She has a foot injury and was told not to put any weight on the foot so it could properly heal. The wheelchair will allow her to follow her doctor’s advice for a speedy recovery and aid her mobility and independence.

We felt this was the perfect start to our Random Acts program, so we did some research and found the Wheelchair Foundation. They are a nonprofit organization leading an international effort to create awareness of the needs and abilities of people with physical disabilities, to promote the joy of giving, create a global friendship and to deliver a wheelchair to every child, teen and adult in the world who needs one, but can not afford one.

Angela picking up donated wheelchairs

Dan at the Wheelchair Foundation

Friday, October 20, 2006, we were able to visit Janice at her doctor’s office. We showed up in one of our fire engines with the wheelchair. She was there with her daughter and grandson. Janice and her daughter were very thankful for the wheelchair, and her grandson was thankful for the fire truck!

Jeff and Brian helping Janice into her new wheelchair

(lower L to R) Janice Andres, Lauren Hardman (upper L to R) Jeff Boos, Jim Turner and Brian Simmons