By KALEY LYON

klyon@dailynews.net

DENVER -- As the Democratic National Convention comes to a close, Kansas delegates and their governor had the opportunity to give back to the host city.

On Wednesday morning, many delegates traveled to the headquarters of Project CURE, where they helped sort, box and load medical supplies for distribution in underprivileged countries.

"It was really fabulous ... to feel like you're actually making an impact and helping people," said delegate Shala Mills, a Hays resident.

Health care is an issue near to Mills' heart, and she enjoyed the opportunity to help families around the world in need of proper treatment, she said.

Mills wasn't the only Democrat at work, however. Across the warehouse, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius was busy sorting medical supplies as part of the convention's first service day.

"It's a way to thank Denver for hosting this convention, so there are volunteers from across the country working in 29 different projects around the metro area of Denver, and highlighting the wonderful community programs here," Sebelius said.

"But I think it's also sending the message back that, under an Obama administration, he intends and has a very robust public service program that he's announced."

Project CURE has six offices throughout the nation and works to ship unused medical supplies such as rubber gloves and syringes to countries in need.

Such supplies often are wasted in the U.S., but Sebelius said Kansas has passed legislation allowing such supplies unused by nursing homes to be sent to under-served clinics, she said.

Sebelius also said she has visited with Project CURE's director about paving the way for a similar initiative in Kansas.

"One of the reasons I think our health care costs are high is we end up not using a lot of the material that is perfectly good," Sebelius said. "It ends up being dumped because of the practices of the past. So whether it's sent to Third World countries or used in America to provide additional support, I think it's a great idea."

At a third volunteer station, delegate Leonard Schamber was loading packed medical supplies into a truck for delivery.

A construction worker from Damar, Schamber said he's used to physical labor. He also served three years with the Peace Corps and has had many experiences reaching out to Third World countries.

"I think this is a great idea," Schamber said. "It brings great visibility to our delegation, and it gives people the opportunity to see the other side, the Third World."

A first-time delegate, Schamber said he always has been passionate where politics is concerned. He first became interested in the 1956 campaign between Dwight D. Eisenhower and Adlai Stevenson.

"I've never had a problem with disconnect with politics in my life," Schamber said. "I've always seen the connection. I find it difficult to understand that other people don't."