Debbie Kinder shares the story of starting Kinder’s Closet Ostomy Pantry

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast I chat with Debbie Kinder about Kinder’s Closet Ostomy Pantry. Debbie tells me the pantry is a nonprofit that provides ostomy supplies to people with limited income or no insurance, and people can reach them online, on Facebook, or by calling United Way’s 211 line. She explains how it started with her own experience living with an ostomy and realizing how many others needed help, which led her to begin the pantry in 2016. Now they serve people locally and across the country, supplying pouches, flanges, paste, and barrier strips that insurance often doesn’t fully cover. Debbie says the average cost of supplies can be up to eighty five dollars every few days, which is out of reach for many, so the pantry steps in and only asks for postage or a small fee to keep it running. She shares stories of people showing up with makeshift bags because they couldn’t afford supplies, and she emphasizes the need for a larger climate controlled space and more board members. I wrap up by encouraging anyone who can help to reach out and support Debbie’s mission.