The Lending Closet
Free medical equipment and one woman's vision to help neighbors in need
“Go with God and find your purpose.” Those were the words Frankie Swope heard at the end of every counseling appointment she went to, seeking healing from the loss of her husband of 54 years. It took some time, but Frankie found her purpose as the founder of The Lending Closet, a labor of love that offers medical equipment and home health tools free of charge to the community.
Located at King of Glory Lutheran Church, “The Closet,” as it is affectionately known, houses essential medical items like wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, shower chairs, bedside commodes and other mobility or recovery equipment to anyone in need. There are no rental fees, no complicated paperwork, and no barriers for families who are likely already navigating difficult circumstances.
Frankie’s mission began after she fractured her foot in July 2025 and needed a knee scooter and boot that didn’t cost an arm and a leg. After calling several places in town, she realized the cost (upwards of $90 per month) could keep her from healing as quickly as she should.
“I was just getting my feet on the ground after losing my husband and thought ‘I can’t do this on top of everything else,’” Frankie says. She finally found a knee scooter she could borrow from a friend in Columbus, but all the hassle got her thinking about how to make the process easier for others who might be in a similar situation.
“I was so tired when I got home that I sat down and fell asleep in my chair,” Frankie says. “As I was waking up, I distinctly heard the words ‘serve others.’ That’s what I’m trying to do.”
What started as a simple effort to help neighbors has grown into a meaningful community service that continues to impact lives across the Billings community. The Lending Closet operates fully through donated equipment, volunteers who clean, inspect, and repair equipment, and community support. When someone no longer needs a walker, wheelchair, or other medical device, they reach out to Frankie and arrange a donation so another family can benefit.
People in need of medical equipment call to set up an appointment to “shop” in the Closet, borrowing the items at no cost and with no strict time frame. The result is a cycle of generosity that keeps valuable equipment out of storage rooms and garages, and places it directly into the hands of people who need it most.
Patients recovering from surgery, families caring for aging parents, and even residents in long-term care or navigating hospice have all found relief through The Lending Closet. For most, the Closet not only eases financial strain but also restores a sense of hope during difficult seasons.
Frankie recalls a gentleman who called to request some equipment for his wife. She had run a marathon in January, but woke up one morning in April not feeling well. After a visit to the emergency room, “just to be safe,” the couple received a devastating diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer that had metastasized to her bones and liver.
“I met him at the church, and as we were looking at equipment, he said ‘I just can’t believe this is happening,’” Frankie says. That Friday afternoon, after helping him select some items to bring home, Frankie offered a hug and prayers for his wife.
Sadly, Frankie got a call on Monday that his wife had passed away. In that moment, Frankie became not only a practical source of relief for one man and his family, but an emotional support as well. “He called to tell me and just cried,” Frankie says. “All I could do was listen.”
Those who know Frankie best would describe her as compassionate, humble, and deeply committed to helping others. Rather than seeking recognition for herself, she points to the tireless efforts of her 11 volunteers, ranging in age from 62 to 83. She laughs, “I’m in the middle! I turned 78 in May!”
A repairman, Reuben, won’t divulge his age, but Frankie says, “He shuffles along. He is so good at tinkering and fixing anything!” She turns more serious as she emphasizes, “It’s not about me. I don’t want people saying that I have done something really great or unusual. It’s the group that does it.”
It truly is a team effort, as volunteers take shifts throughout the day to man the phone, and answer the call when it rings. In true Frankie fashion, she even stepped away from our interview to take a call from a community member in need. “The Lending Club, how can we help?” she asked cheerfully. She took a moment to assure the caller that, of course, they could keep the walker for another month and return it when they were ready.
Frankie hurried back to the interview, and added, “We loan equipment out for a month at a time. If we don’t hear from them after a month, we call them to check in and see how they are doing and if they are ready to set up an appointment to return what they borrowed.”
For Frankie, the idea came from recognizing a problem many families face: Medical equipment is often needed suddenly, sometimes temporarily, and can be incredibly expensive. After only a few minutes speaking with her, it’s evident that she is not one to wait around for a solution. She becomes the answer.
“I fractured my foot in July, and we were giving out equipment by October. We haven’t stopped yet,” she says. In a time when healthcare costs continue to rise, The Lending Closet stands out as a reminder that kindness still fills the gaps. Through one woman’s vision and the support of a generous community, countless people in Billings have gained access to the equipment they need to heal, recover and maintain dignity. Frankie Swope may not consider herself extraordinary, but to many families in Billings, she absolutely is.
TO CONTACT THE LENDING CLOSET, call (406) 371-3650, email billingslendingcloset@gmail.com or visit the outreach online at billingslendingcloset.com.
