The relationship between Notre Dame and Mission Outreach began as a student experience but has grown, with members of the Central Illinois Notre Dame Club  becoming regular volunteers at Mission Outreach.

Hugh McDermott, a pre-med junior, said it was fulfilling for the group to participate with an organization that is tackling two major issues with one program.  “We truly appreciate getting to help protect the environment while saving lives,” he said.

ND Club President Conrad Rubinkowski, an attorney with the Illinois Commerce Commission, said that “part of the Notre Dame educational vision is to encourage students to participate in community service endeavors, partly to add to their educational experience, but mainly to support the university’s convictions regarding doing good for others and aiding the poor and less fortunate.” He noted that ND Club members are encouraged to participate in the student’s not-for-profit experiences.

Upon first learning about Mission Outreach, Rubinkowski said he was impressed with what he heard, but was literally astounded at the size and scope of what he experienced when he visited and volunteered.

“When sorting medical supplies that are donated by area hospitals I am amazed at the variety of items including surgical gloves, bandages, scrubs, and equipment which I had never seen before,” Rubinkowski said. “I quickly became overwhelmed at the idea that what I was doing in helping Mission Outreach was making a difference in the lives of others.

“We are taught to do well and give something back and many of us do this in the form of giving money, which is important, but when you add to that the personal experience of actually being part of saving lives it takes on a whole new meaning,” he said.

Since January 2006, Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, a not-for-profit corporation, has responded to the sick, poor and needy of the world through a medical surplus recovery and redistribution program by matching surplus medical items from organizations in the United States with the needs of healthcare providers around the globe. Medical professionals throughout the world have received shipments of medical equipment and supplies valued at over $8.6 million.

To learn more about Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, make a donation, or volunteer visit the Web site at www.mission-outreach.org or contact Pamela Perlmutter, development and public relations manager at .