What to Donate to MEDLIFE | Latin America & Africa

What to donate to MEDLIFE?

Student volunteers donate many of the medical supplies used at mobile clinics. We encourage volunteers to plan for their MEDLIFE Service Learning Trip (SLT) by collecting supplies that the communities they serve might need. If you or someone from your chapter or group is signed up for a MEDLIFE SLT, consider bringing along some of the items listed below:

Adult multivitamins (excluding prenatal):
- Vitamins and supplements (excluding prenatal) are the most requested items. Please consider bringing some with you!
Child multivitamins
Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, antacids, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
First aid supplies like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and gauze.
Disposable gloves and masks.
Powdered milk or formula for children and elders
Moist towelettes / Wet wipes
Adult diapers
Blood glucose test strips
Glucose meters
Pulse oximeters
Warm clothing and blankets for donation
Children’s clothing for donation
AA and AAA batteries
Children’s toothbrushes
Children’s toothpaste

If you have connections to healthcare providers or suppliers, consider sourcing more specialized medical equipment that the mission might need, like stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, or portable diagnostic tools.

Check the list of specific donations for Lima , Cusco , Ecuador , and Tanzania .

Are your items not listed?

If you or your group want to contribute with unlisted items, please contact your Chapter Coach or MEDLIFE Advisor. You can also email [email protected] for assistance and guidance on how best to support our communities with your donations.

Here are other great ideas:

Educational Materials:
- Health education pamphlets or books in the local language.
- Posters on topics like hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention.
Hygiene Kits:
- Soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss.
- Sanitary pads and tampons.
- Nail clippers and tweezers.
Small toys or coloring books to comfort children during medical procedures.
Clothing and Linens:
- New or gently used clothing for all ages.
- Blankets and towels, especially in regions with colder climates.
Reusable menstrual products like cloth pads.

Disclaimer

Under United States tax law and regulations, a donation to MEDLIFE is 100% tax-deductible by the person donating. Please note that the donation goal paid by volunteers to register for a Service Learning Trip covers trip-related expenses and therefore is not tax deductible. If donors have general questions about whether donations to MEDLIFE are tax-deductible, they can call MEDLIFE’S U.S.-based office at 1-844-MEDLIFE (1-844-633-5433). However, specific questions about the deductibility of contributions should be directed to the donor’s qualified tax advisor.

MEDLIFE is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.