Dr. Eveland
Warehouse Work: Collection, Shipment and Distribution of Supplies
One of the most exciting aspects of the Refuge work is the collection and distribution of medical supplies and equipment. Every day there are millions of dollars worth of used medical equipment placed in landfills when it could be used in hospitals and clinics in developing countries. Many hospitals and clinics don't know about the opportunity to donate these essential supplies. Through our volunteers, many health care facilities now offer the lifesaving equipment and supplies to Refuge.
2010 Warehouse Days
Letourneau students helping out
The following days have been designated as Warehouse Days. Come out and enjoy good company and a day of hard work! We usually stop mid day and have the best hamburger around at Swanner's, a little hamburger place two blocks from the Refuge house. All dates are on Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM.
- January 16
- February 6
- March 27
- April 17
- May 22
- June 19 and 26
- August 21
- September 18
- October 9
- November 13
Warehouse Work: Volunteers Needed
Anna O'Brien
Hospitals and clinics in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Ohio now offer their refuse to Refuge! As a result, Refuge has diverted over $2 million worth of equipment and through our partners at Vine International and Orphan Grain Train to Guatemala and Kenya.
But this is not done without a significant amount of labor on the part of Refuge volunteers. Everything must be counted, boxed or crated, put on lists, and prepared for shipment. This takes hours and hours of hard but rewarding work on our part. We can use your help.
Currently we have the following needs at the Refuge Warehouse:
Supplies arrive in Guatemala and are taken to the Refuge Bodega (warehouse) for distribution
Shelving Units
The Refuge warehouse needs more shelving units built to hold sorting bins and boxes of supplies
Crate Construction
We have a nice blood bank refrigerator that needs to be taken apart and crated for shipment.
Air Conditioning/Heating Unit
We would love to have the warehouse be more comfortable to work in. If you or someone you knows would be interested in donating and installing a cooling/heating unit, it would be much appreciated by those working year round to keep the supplies moving out.
Sorting Supplies
If you are part of, or know of, a group or organization that is looking for a group service project, please contact the Refuge office and arrange for a date to come and work in the warehouse. Perhaps a youth or singles group is looking for a project for an afternoon or evening. None of the work is difficult, but it is time consuming and as the saying goes, "Many hands make light work!"
Supply and Equipment Pickup
If you have time to drive to various towns and cities in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas to pick up donated supplies, please let us know. There is always something to be picked up somewhere. You will usually need a truck and sometimes a trailer as well. At times we get things donated in the Longview area and need someone to pick up medications or supplies. If this is something you can help with, please contact the Refuge office.
Dr. Eveland
Supplies Needed
Letourneau students helping out
Refuge International relies on donations of medical equipment and supplies for the work that is done by volunteer health care providers and others working in Guatemala and Kenya. Some supplies are sent by ship and some are hand carried in by volunteers working in these areas. Without the donations, the work would not get done.
Some children are unable to go to school because they have no money to buy pencils and paper. Donations of these supplies keeps these children in school.
Surgical Supplies Needed
- Surgery packs
- Ray Tec and lap sponges
- Surgical gowns
- Surgical staplers
- Laparoscopy equipment
- OR lights
- OR tables
- Electrocautery machines
- Anesthesia machines
- Anesthesia supplies
- Spinal anesthesia kits
- Surgical instruments in good condition
Educational Supplies Needed
- Pencils, pens, colors, paper, coloring books, glue, scissors
- School desks
- Computers in working condition
- Spiral notebooks
Medical/Dental Supplies Needed
- Exam gloves
- Gauze
- IV tubing
- Suture
- Foley catheter kits
- Fetal dopplers
- Ultrasound machines
- Microscopes
- Lab equipment: I-STAT
- Twin sheets - tops and bottoms
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Ziplock bags of all sizes
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Hand pieces for dental equipment
- Dental instruments
- Syringes
- Needles
- Stainless steel shelving
For more information on how to help, call us at (903) 843-6203 or .
Make a Donation
- Donate By Phone: (903) 843-6203
- Donate by Mail:
Refuge International
104 N. Montgomery
Gilmer, Texas 75644 - Donate Online through PayPal:
- We accept all major credit cards, including American Express.
