Herbert Smoak There are three kinds of people who should get in touch with MedNeed of SC: Those who need medical equipment aid, those with medical equipment to donate, and those who would like to give financial assistance to a worthy cause.

Hubert Smoak, chief operating officer, is passionate about his fledgling non- profit charity. After 20 years as a sales representative for durable medical equipment, he knows the need, and he thinks he has found a way to meet it.

"Right now, as far as I know, this is the only organization dedicated to providing medical equipment to the needy in South Carolina, and for that matter anywhere. I would like to see it firmly established here and then go national.

"Even people who are holding down full- time jobs may be uninsured or underinsured. The unemployed of course have practically no resources for their medical needs. Yet, in every community wheelchairs and hospital beds and walkers are stashed in closets after having met the original need. They can be made available to people who could not have them any other way."

Thus, MedNeed of SC was born. This entrepreneur is giving his time and money to the cause, hoping it can be funded to a level that will allow him to work on it full time and even add employees.

The biggest obstacle to this future lies in the hands of the IRS. MedNeed's application for approval as a 501(c)3 non- profit corporation has been "pending" for a year and could remain in limbo for many more months. "Without the 501(c)3 approval, companies and organizations, who would like to support us, find their hands tied. They can allocate charitable giving only to approved tax-exempt organizations."

"I have made a few radio appearances appealing for donations. And MedNeed is sponsoring fundraisers such as golf tournaments and raffles. But until we gain IRS approval, the giving will never be enough to let us grow."

MedNeed's future should include a board of directors and a staff of full time employees, once dependable funding has been obtained. For now, it is limping with minimum financing and, yet, managing to provide equipment for some who need it.

Smoak says there are 35 free clinics in South Carolina. He stays in touch with the one on Harden Street in Columbia, and is listed on the United Way's 211 Call List. One possibility he is exploring is to operate under the aegis of a church (already approved for 501(c)3 rating) until his letter of approval comes through. Hubert Smoak grew up in North Charleston, graduated from North Greenville Junior College and also from Newberry College. He spent four years as a sergeant serving with Air Force Security during the Viet Nam era, although his assignment throughout that period was based in Washington, D.C.

Upon entering civilian life, he became a salesman, first for life insurance, later as a representative for durable medical equipment. Golf and music have been his sidelines. He sang with Palmetto Mastersingers and served as a golf pro at Woodlands Country Club. Now he is tackling golf tournaments along with musical charitable events to raise funds to keep his enterprise going. He hopes that the Midlands community as well as Internal Revenue Service will assist in this effort.

On Sunday, March 29, MedNeed is sponsoring a Gospel Sing at Cayce Methodist Church on 12th Street, Cayce, at 7 pm. On Monday, May 11, MedNeed is sponsoring a golf tournament at Oakhills Golf Club on Fairfield Road in North Columbia. $300 for each four-man team, with prizes to be awarded. Hubert Smoak can be reached at 803-951-0411, or e-mail: medneedofsc@yahoo.com or mail: Hubert Smoak, P. O. Box 6882, West Columbia, SC 29171.