‘Bob the Bike Guy’ giving back to community to combat government cuts

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Following the federal government’s cuts to Medicaid, one man is working with local law enforcement to give free medical supplies to the community.

“We’re making sure that the community is getting the things they need,” Bob Charland said.

You may know him as “Bob the Bike Guy” but with recent cuts to Medicaid and veteran’s services, Charland has found a new way of giving back. “With all these budget cuts, people are struggling to get this equipment,” Charland said. Medical supplies, often costing tens of thousands of dollars, are provided for free, seven days a week.

“If you call the Sheriff’s Triad number, we will get it out to you,” he said. “If you need something after five and we’re not on duty, you can call me personally and I will meet you at the warehouse and you can pick it up from us.”

Charland’s program, in collaboration with local sheriff’s departments, stores and gives away everything from adult diapers to hospital beds.

“We have the power wheelchairs, exam tables, phlebotomy chairs, we have the custom hospital beds like this that will roll people back and forth so that they don’t get bed sores.”

Through this program, Charland benefits the community before the items even leave his warehouse.

“We let youth groups come in, do the community service hours whether it’s catholic schools, National Honors Society kids, they can do their hours here working on the medical equipment that’s gonna help somebody out in the community.”

Charland’s sole motivation is helping those in need, even when that need, seems continuously to rise.

“Recently, we donated a hospital bed to a 105-year-old World War II veteran, and he couldn’t get it from the VA,” Charland said. “And for us to get the thank you back from the family after he passed away, saying thank you for letting him die, with comfort, at home... For me that’s the most rewarding.”

If you have medical supplies that you could donate, you can reach out to “Bob the Bike Guy” himself at (413) 433-9059 or the Hampden County Sheriff’s Triad Division at (413) 858-0060.