SAN ANTONIO — For the past 30 years Project MEND has promoted health and self-sufficiency by providing refurbished medical equipment for the community’s most vulnerable people – for free. Their mission is simple: by donating medical equipment, you can make the lives of veterans and their families a little easier. Your gift is a salute to veterans and also a helping hand.
Over a game of lotería, smiles are exchanged amongst civilians and veterans.
Kristy Walston is the chief development officer for Project MEND.
“We’re celebrating our veterans," Walston said. “Veterans and their dependents are able to come get wheelchairs, hearing aids, walkers, hospital beds, whatever the need is, we’re able to provide that with donated equipment.”
One client, Marguerite Natal recalls the aftermath of an accident that left her fearful of her future.
“I had no way of thinking what to do because I couldn’t even stand up,” Natal said. “I had therapy and Project MEND got me a rocker rollator that was this high and it helped me balance myself and walk again.”
To start the process, you must have a prescription or letter of medical necessity. To drop off equipment you can do so on weekdays at their 5015 Wurzbach Road location. The facility will be closed Veterans Day.
If you don’t have equipment to give, there is a $2 scratch off called "Veterans Cash" that helps support Texas Veterans.