Mary Free Bed is Raising Money To Help Their Soccer Team Go Into Overdrive

It is without question that Mary Free Bed does an enormous amount of good to help West Michigan. Between their services to help with short term aches and pains, to their commitment to a lifetime of care for those who need special help.

Mary Free Bed started in 1891 when a group of women felt that people should have help paying for their healthcare, so they passed a black purse around Grand Rapids and asked people to donate a dime if they were named Mary, or knew someone named Mary. The name Mary was one of the most popular in the city at the time, so they were able to raise a lot of money, thus is why they use the name "Mary Free Bed" today.

So when the helper needs help, who do they turn to? Their community.

Mary Free Bed has several programs to help children in Grand Rapids, and one of them is their Overdrive soccer team. The team travels, and competes around America, representing Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

They currently have their electric chairs provided by Mary Free Bed, but unfortunately they're 20 years old and have seen better days.

Mary Free Bed is currently turning to the community and asking for help to replace these chairs. While the fundraiser is off to a great start with two chairs being donated from the charity Lori's Voice, they also have set up a fundraising page, where an anonymous donor has started with the first $5,000 towards the cause.

Each specialized wheelchair costs a little over nine grand, so every dollar counts towards making their goal a reality.

If you'd like to learn more, or donate yourself, you can find information about the fundraiser here.