San Antonio International Airport Partners With Project MEND to Give Unclaimed Medical Equipment a Second Life
For many people, a wheelchair, walker, or mobility aid is more than just equipment—it is a pathway to independence, health, and daily life. Thanks to a new partnership between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Project MEND, unclaimed medical equipment left behind at the airport will now have the opportunity to help individuals across San Antonio and Texas regain mobility and improve their quality of life.
Announced on June 4 by the City of San Antonio Aviation Department, the initiative allows eligible medical equipment found in SAT's lost and found department to be donated to Project MEND, a San Antonio-based nonprofit organization that refurbishes and redistributes medical equipment to individuals living with disabilities and life-altering illnesses.
The partnership creates a practical solution for equipment that might otherwise go unused while addressing a significant community need. Items such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and other mobility devices can now be repaired, restored, and placed back into service for residents who need them most.
Turning Lost Equipment Into Community Impact
As San Antonio continues to grow, partnerships that connect available resources with community needs can make a meaningful difference for local families.
“At SAT, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to support our community, and this initiative with Project MEND allows us to do just that,” said Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports for the City of San Antonio Aviation Department. “Through this partnership, unclaimed medical equipment can be given a second life, supporting the organization’s mission to improve mobility and independence for individuals in need while also reducing unnecessary waste.”
The effort aligns with broader goals of sustainability and community support by keeping reusable equipment out of landfills while helping residents access costly medical devices they may otherwise struggle to obtain.
A San Antonio Nonprofit With More Than Three Decades of Service
Founded in 1992 by Murlin Johnson, Project MEND—short for Medical Equipment Network for those with Disabilities—has spent more than 30 years helping Texans overcome barriers to mobility and independence.
The organization's mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals living with disabilities and illness through the refurbishment, reuse, and distribution of medical equipment and assistive technology. Its vision is rooted in the belief that mobility and independence are basic human rights.
Project MEND's impact continues to grow. Between 2024 and 2025 alone, the nonprofit distributed more than 6,200 pieces of durable medical equipment valued at more than $923,000. During that same period, approximately 74 tons of potentially biohazardous equipment were diverted from local landfills through the organization's reuse program.
In addition to serving thousands of individuals and families across Texas, Project MEND has partnered with Honor Flight San Antonio since its inception, donating wheelchairs to help veterans participate in commemorative trips recognizing their service.
“We are truly grateful for this new invaluable partnership with San Antonio International Airport. Their commitment to donating medical equipment to our organization enables us to refurbish it and provide the gift of mobility to individuals who need it most,” said Cathy Valdez, Project MEND CEO. “Partnerships like these are the cornerstone of our mission, enabling us to transform lives and foster greater independence within our community.”
How Residents Can Help
The new airport partnership also highlights an ongoing need for community donations.
Residents with gently used medical equipment can support Project MEND's mission during a special drive-through donation event scheduled for Saturday, June 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wonderland of the Americas, located outside Hobby Lobby at 4522 Fredericksburg Road in San Antonio.
Accepted items include:
- Wheelchairs
- Walkers
- Rollators
- Hospital beds
- Bedside commodes
- Crutches
- Canes
- Shower chairs
Donated equipment is evaluated, refurbished when necessary, and redistributed to individuals and families who need assistance accessing essential mobility devices.
Why This Matters for San Antonio
For many residents facing disability, illness, recovery from injury, or financial hardship, access to medical equipment can be a critical challenge. By creating a direct pathway for unclaimed airport equipment to reach people in need, SAT and Project MEND are helping extend the useful life of valuable resources while strengthening community support systems.
The partnership demonstrates how local organizations can work together to address practical needs, reduce waste, and improve quality of life for some of the region's most vulnerable residents.
What Happens Next
As the partnership moves forward, eligible medical equipment left unclaimed at San Antonio International Airport will be redirected to Project MEND for refurbishment and redistribution. Community members interested in donating equipment or learning more about available services can visit ProjectMEND.org for additional information.
For families, caregivers, veterans, and individuals living with disabilities, every donated wheelchair, walker, or mobility device represents more than equipment—it represents greater independence, dignity, and opportunity.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more San Antonio community updates, nonprofit initiatives, and local stories making a difference across the region.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.