Bill Brayer says he's just not the type to sit at home in retirement and watch life go by. At 74 years old, the Edmonds man is staying busy. Brayer has Multiple Sclerosis and has dedicated his life to helping others with the disease.

Brayer says he just saw a need and filled it. Through his non-profit organization "MS Helping Hands," he set up the "donor closet."

"These are items that are ready to move out as soon as we have room for them," said Brayer. "We do a lot with hospital beds. This is a pediatric hospital bed, a special bed. I've got somebody who wants it - they just haven't come and gotten it yet."

Brayer lives with MS himself, and for the last eight years, Brayer has recycled nearly half a million dollars worth of used medical equipment and mobility aids for others with Multiple Sclerosis.

"I saw how people wanted things and needed things and weren't getting them, and I hurt for them," said Brayer.

Roger Oliver is part of the volunteer army at MS Helping Hands, where donated items are checked out and fixed up in the shop.

"We put new batteries in scooters and wheelchairs, and you can see this is a fairly new unit," says Oliver.

Then they're passed along for a suggested minimum donation, often just pennies on the dollar of their actual value.

"Most of the people who get this stuff from us would never have it if not for us because they can't afford to buy it new," said Brayer.

It all started years ago with Brayer helping a friend get rid of a deceased spouse's medical equipment.

"We've gone from my little garage to 4,000 square feet, and we're about to acquire 3,500 more next door," said Brayer. "We just keep going because this equipment is available."

Brayer and his crew don't take a penny out of the operation for wages.

"We work for peanuts and I'm so cheap that I don't even buy them peanuts," said Brayer. "The volunteers buy their own peanuts."

Any income above operating expenses goes out in grants to help MS victims with expenses. Brayer works 60 hours a week or more and loves it.

"What represents retirement to me is the day that I see those beautiful pearly gates and God says, 'Come home'" said Brayer. "That's when I will retire."

Brayer was recently given the Outreach Leadership Award by the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. He of course gives most of the credit to others, saying his team of volunteers and his wife, Carol, deserve to have their name on the award too.

If you have used medical equipment you want to get rid of, Bill and company would love to help you out. They're looking for durable, re-usable goods - cash is welcome too!