PET is a faith-based, volunteer-powered, humanitarian, and worldwide organization, operating as tax-exempt 501(c)(3) under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
early PET
early PET car-like seat
Beginnings
PET began in 1995 when Reverend Larry Hills, missionary in Zaire (now Congo), Africa, told Reverend Mel West of the great need for three-wheeled, hand-cranked wheelchairs for victims of polio and landmines. Mel contacted Earl Miner, product designer and long-time friend and mission partner, and the process of the prototype design began.
Earl Miner
In 1996, when development prototypes were ready for field testing, four were shipped to Larry Hills with the instructions to “put these in the worst place you can find, and see if they pass the test.” Larry did, and the PETs did. Shipments began to Zaire, where Larry had set up a place to receive the frames, put on the wooden beds, and distribute them. See history for the full story of the PET Project and other affiliates.
Mel West
Larry Hills
PET TX-Luling becomes PET TX-Brazos Valley
PET Texas Luling was established in 2003 by Jake and Gwen Royall and Joe Svoboda as the third PET Place, after the original production sites in Columbia, MO and Penney Farms, FL. Over six years Luling built and packed a total of 1108 adult and 128 child size PETs.
In October 2009 it was decided that due to Jake and Gwen’s age and Joe’s health that the PET Luling facility would discontinue full time operation and production. Members of five churches in Bryan, Texas began a new production facility, known as PET Texas Brazos Valley. Luling founders, donors and volunteers have contributed production tools, parts on hand and funds to the Bryan shop.
Jake, Gwen and Joe, in Luling, have been making metal parts for PETs for the New Life Center in Kitwe, Zambia.
