Sharing can make a world of difference!

www.medshare.org

MedShare International has a dual mission of providing humanitarian medical aid to economically developing countries and of helping to improve our local environment. Since 1998, MedShare has shipped over $50 million worth of surplus medical supplies and equipment to hospitals and clinics around the world while saving over a million cubic feet of landfill space.

Spotlight On:
Small Hands Making a Big Impact

by Nancy Koziol

Volunteering in any capacity is a terrific team building activity – all members come together to accomplish a task or series of tasks and make a difference.

Last month, the Girl Scout Cadette Troop 2635, made up of students from The Paideia School, joined together to volunteer at the MedShare warehouse. The afternoon spent at MedShare sorting and packaging valuable medical equipment and supplies provided an inspiring experience for the scouts and their two leaders.

Service is a big part of the Girl Scout program, with the troop averaging one volunteer project per month. In addition to the valuable work for MedShare, they also had the opportunity to learn more about how the shipments directly help people in developing countries around the world. During their afternoon at MedShare, a representative sponsoring supplies to North Korea arrived and reiterated to the scouts the importance of their work and the difference it would make in the lives of those receiving the shipments.

The overall experience and perspective made a huge impact on the girls. Anna, a 7th grader, said how "it was cool that they were helping people in other countries get medical supplies". Katie commented that she was amazed at the number of items in the warehouse that were going to be sent all over the world to help people in need.

The kids were not the only ones inspired – the troop leaders were too. "There was something for everyone to do, for every age and ability", said Dara Simmons. "It was very empowering for the girls, as far as seeing the fruits of their labor."

If you are interested in volunteering at MedShare, Georgia residents can contact Katie Cofrancesco at kcofrancesco@medshare.org or 770.323.5858 xt. 205. California residents contact Terry Monday at tmonday@medshare.org or 510.567.7070.

Shipment Update

During the month of February, MedShare shipped containers filled with vital medical supplies and equipment to healthcare institutions in different countries. The recipients were:

• United States
  LDS Humanitarian Center
• Nigeria
  Delta State Ministry of Health
• Kenya
  The 410 Bridge
• Iraq
  Basrah Teaching Hospital
• Ivory Coast
  PNRRC

For more information and ways to support MedShare International,
please visit www.medshare.org or call 770-323-5858.