Riverside Township announced on Sept. 12 that it will expand the service area of its Nurse’s Lending Closet to include all of Riverside, North Riverside, and Brookfield following the permanent closure of the St. Barbara Lending Closet in Brookfield.
The expansion aims to address concerns from residents who previously relied on the now-closed lending closet for durable medical goods. The Riverside Township Board of Trustees approved this change at its meeting on September 9, allowing more people access to free loans of medical items.
The Nurse’s Closet has operated for over 20 years, offering free loans of medical equipment primarily to township residents funded by tax dollars. However, because the closet is stocked through donations and does not require direct tax spending for this service, officials decided to extend eligibility beyond township borders. “We hope this will alleviate some of the concerns of those who have come to rely on the former Lending Closet on 47th Street,” said township representatives in a statement.
Residents can borrow items for up to three months. The closet is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM and Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Donations are accepted with some restrictions due to storage limitations; hospital beds, soft fabric personal items, or mechanical and electronic equipment cannot be accepted.
The Village of Riverside provides a range of services including fire suppression, emergency medical care, law enforcement, parks programs, and public library access according to the official website. The village also promotes cultural awareness through its historical commission and public library programs according to the official website.
Riverside stands out for its landscape design by Frederick Law Olmsted and was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1970 for its role in national history according to the official website. As a suburban municipality focused on community management and historical preservation, Riverside aims to deliver municipal services responsibly while upholding its historical heritage and community atmosphere according to the official website.
