Yesterday, a group of Japanese visitors dropped by the center and donated a wheel chair.
The center now has five wheel chairs, which are more than enough, according to Aging Office Director Howard I. Macaranas.
“If we continue to give, we receive more,” Macanaras said during a brief meeting with the members of the Nihon Isoku Kai group from Japan.
Macanaras presented to the group leader Aoki Akio a certification of appreciation for the donation as the manamko’ applauded in appreciation during a ceremony at the Aging Office yesterday.
The office, Macaranas said, is more than willing to support the Commonwealth Health Center if it needs a wheel chair for emergency use.
The Aging Office only provides a wheel chair to its clients if prescribed by the physician.
“We don’t want to give the equipment indiscriminately as it might only make the manamko’ more disabled,” he said.
Last May, he said his office recognized the manamko’s regular donors.
Among those given special recognition were the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of the Saipan, Kingfisher Golf Links, the Saipan Bowling Center and Ambyth Shipping Micronesia.
He said the island’s hotels have also been giving the manamko’ assorted items such as towels, hats, books and uniforms.
During special activities, Macaranas said they give out the donations to the manamko’ as prizes and gifts.
The Aging Office does not solicit help, but donations are “pouring in” in because the donors know that the manamko’ need the donated materials, Macaranas said.
