What does one do with a van that your business no longer uses? This was the dilemma Karcher Estates Retirement and Rehabilitation had when they replaced their resident van.

Then staff members learned that Hands of Hope, a non-profit organization, located in Nampa, Idaho was looking for a van. They needed a van to deliver the donated medical and dental supplies and equipment and home health aids they loan to those in need locally. The organization also repackages and redistributes donated medical and dental items, primarily shipping them to developing countries.

Hands of Hope ministry began in 1992 with the vision of a local health care worker. She became frustrated with the disposal of valuable items that are no longer considered usable by American hospitals. The idea for Hands of Hope was born through her persistent inquiries into whether she could acquire some of those items headed for the trash, then ship the items overseas for use in medically underserved areas.

Rich and Liza Murlans, representing Hands of Hope, received the keys from Donna Lant, Administrator of Karcher Estates, on April 2, 2007. The van will be used primarily to pick up supplies.