Getting ready for an Operation Walk mission involves a lot of behind the scenes work. First, about 100 surgical trays must be transported from the warehouse to the sterilizers to be washed, wrapped and sterilized. Each tray weighs between 10-50 pounds. Once sterile, they are wrapped in two additional layers of heavy plastic, transported back to the warehouse, packed in sturdy plastic tubs and palletized for shipping. We also have a packing day for the physical therapists to pack wheelchairs, crutches, walkers and canes. Laundry is done; scrubs and towels washed and packed. A Costco run is done for paper towels, toilet paper, snacks and garbage bags.
By now, our small warehouse in Torrance is full! Eleven pallets are taking up all the space. They are stacked at the appropriate height, shrink wrapped and waiting for Transgroup (our shipper) to pick them up and make space for round #2 of supplies needing to be packed.
But we are never finished, as there will be another mission coming and we will start procuring donations for that.
Alejandra Castillo, our Administrative Assistant, oversees the transformation of the Operation Walk office…a constant movement of supplies orchestrated by Mary Ellen and Jeri.
