For the last 25 years, Hands of Hope Northwest has given out millions of dollars worth of medical equipment around the world to those in need. This time to Ukraine, a war-torn area with hospitals in dire need.
"Whatever they can use, we're trying to get it to them," said Hands of Hope Northwest Executive Director Todd Durbin
The local charity based in Nampa packed $933,000 dollars worth of medical supplies into three 40-foot shipping containers, set to sail overseas to those in need. Items range from as small as bandaids to wheelchairs. Durbin said the most requested item was generators.
"The power is being turned off or knocked out and they're not even able to have lights on in the hospital to do the procedures," said Durbin.
Ukrainian representative Roman Romanov visited Nampa to inspect the shipment before it was sent off.
"Very, very, very useful for our people and it's really the very best support for Ukrainians in this very difficult time for all our citizens," said Romanov.
Everything donated comes from local hospitals. Durbin said when hospitals change vendors, it renders good supplies unusable and sometimes they go to waste.
"We're able to receive those and instead of going to the landfill, we get to use them," said Durbin.
This is the second shipment to Ukraine. Hands of Hope sent over $640,000 worth of medical supplies when the war began in March.
"We have a rich history with Ukraine and getting them the help they need," said Durbin.
He said as long as the need is there, they'll continue to lend a helping hand.
Here is executive director Todd Durbin explaining the loading process at the Hands of Hope NW facility in Nampa:
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