Through August 30, Esperança, an international nonprofit headquartered in Phoenix, is holding a Summer Drive to collect surgical equipment for its international programs and hygiene supplies for its domestic programs.

Each fall, Esperança sends one sea shipment container full of donated medical goods to its trusted partners in Central and South America for use in their clinics and hospitals. These supplies are used by Esperança’s surgical volunteer teams and distributed to hospitals in need in the region. They accept both expired and non-expired materials and supplies. They are not able to accept medications or liquids of any sort (i.e. saline, iodine solution, ointments, pre-filled syringes, etc.)

“A container is approximately the size of a semi-truck trailer,” says Tom Egan, president and CEO of Esperança. “An average container provides approximately $1,500,000 in donated medical equipment and supplies.  It costs Esperança just $8,000 to ship one of these containers. It’s a great return on investment. We’re so appreciative of our doctors, hospitals and vendors who can donate medical equipment; it’s greatly needed in these regions.”

Esperança is also collecting hygiene items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, soap, dental floss, lotion for its domestic program that helps low-income and underserved families in South Phoenix. They provide culturally appropriate health education to address obesity, lifestyle-related chronic disease, and oral health.

Donations can be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., at Esperanca’s office, located at 1911 W. Earll Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85015 or you can call Anna Ortiz, Surgical Program Coordinator at 602-252-7772 Ext. 114 to arrange pick-up. http://www.esperanca.org/donate-supplies.