San Antonio International Airport is giving unclaimed wheelchairs, walkers and other medical equipment a second life.
SAN ANTONIO — A missed flight is frustrating.
Losing your wheelchair at the airport? That’s life-changing.
Now, unclaimed medical equipment left behind at San Antonio International Airport will get a second chance to help someone in need thanks to a new partnership with Project MEND.
Airport officials announced the collaboration this week, allowing eligible items from the airport’s lost and found, including wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and other mobility devices, to be donated instead of discarded.
“Through this partnership, unclaimed medical equipment can be given a second life,” said Airport Director Jesus Saenz. “It supports mobility and independence for individuals in need while also reducing unnecessary waste.”
Project MEND has been refurbishing and redistributing medical equipment across Texas since 1992. The nonprofit serves thousands of people each year and recently distributed more than 6,200 pieces of durable medical equipment valued at more than $923,000.
The organization also keeps tons of potentially bio-hazardous equipment out of landfills by repairing and reusing items that might otherwise be thrown away.
“We are truly grateful for this invaluable partnership,” said Project MEND CEO Cathy Valdez. “Donations like these allow us to provide the gift of mobility to individuals who need it most.”
Community members looking to help can also donate gently used medical equipment during a drive-through collection event on June 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wonderland of the Americas. Project MEND accepts wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, hospital beds, bedside commodes, crutches, canes and shower chairs.
For travelers who never return for a lost walker or wheelchair, their loss could soon become someone else’s lifeline.
For more information about Project MEND, please visit ProjectMEND.org.