Dallas BU Alumni Steppin' Out Project To Send Medical Supplies To Developing Countries

by Judy Long

Baylor University's Dallas Alumni are planning a spring Steppin' Out event from 8:30 a.m. until noon Saturday, Feb. 7, to recycle surplus medical supplies and equipment for use in developing countries.
Working with MediSend International, a Dallas non-profit organization, volunteers will meet at the group's warehouse, 9244 Markville, to sort, inventory and package the supplies. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Founded in 1990 by neurosurgeon Dr. Martin Lazar, MediSend collects surplus supplies from hospitals, clinics, agencies and individuals in the United States, then sorts, inventories and ships them to pre-qualified charitable institutions overseas that offer medical services to indigent people.
Since 1990, MediSend has sent more than 400 shipments of usable medical supplies and equipment, valued at nearly $14 million, to 71 countries. In 2000 and 2001, the organization received the Gary Mauro Environmental Vision Award, Texas' highest recognition for recycling, and the Dallas County Corporate Recycling Council's Vision Award.
Steppin' Out, a Baylor-sponsored community service event originally designed to give students opportunities to develop a sense of social responsibility, will take place in Waco for undergraduate and other volunteers on Saturday, April 3.
The February event will be the first Steppin' Out project sponsored by the Baylor Dallas alumni organization. Future community service activities in Dallas include Buckner Shoes for Orphan Soles on May 15 and the North Texas Food Bank on Aug. 7.
For more information, contact Kristin Rider at chili_rider@yahoo.com or Carol Kent, Dallas Baylor Network Coordinator, at (214) 213-6534.