While most patients are about 54 years old and come with chronic health issues often resulting from diabetes or high blood pressure, the Christus Mission Clinic on Cain Street also sees young, single parents who don’t otherwise have access to proper medical care.

And though each patient must pay $5 for office visits and $20 for basic lab work, the clinic struggles to maintain its inventory.

“People paying seems to make them expect higher patient care,” said Daisy Stephens, a registered nurse who works at the clinic. “They feel like they gave something in return.”

Giving is what it’s all about at Christus, where nurses volunteer their time. But the list of needs include many office supplies, which could be provided by Sunday school classes who adopt the clinic, Stephens said.

“All churches are invited to participate so we can grow and have the resources to care for people who do not have any health care otherwise.”

Needs include small, travel-size Bibles and large-print Bibles, computer paper, binder clips, paper clips, blue or red fine-tip pens, note pads, postage stamps, tissues, Ziploc bags, staples, scotch tape, highlighters, sharpies, and hand sanitizer.

Many area doctors also help the clinic by taking referrals.

“We have a nurse practitioner, Melissa Martin,” said Hazel Mason, director of missions for First United Methodist Church of Bullard. “She takes her day off and donates it to the clinic.”

Dr. Marjorie Roper and Dr. Mary Bone also volunteer at Christus.

Other volunteers, many of whom have no medical training but help where needed, come from all walks of life and several area churches, Stephens said.

“Our volunteers are just people with compassion no matter what denomination they are.”

To sponsor the clinic, call 903-894-0109.