BEDFORD -- A team of local doctors and nurses loaded a jetliner with medical equipment and supplies destined for Haiti Saturday at Hanscom Air Field.

Using a forklift and a conveyor belt, volunteers packed hundreds of boxes and bundles into the Airbus, jamming in 500 crutches, two ultrasound machines, an auto-cauterization machine and well over a ton of vacuum-packed clothing donated by school children around the north shore.

Accompanying the cargo was a team of medical professionals, including an orthopedic surgeon, plastic surgeon, anesthesiologist, and pediatric specialist who are part of Team 8, a group traveling to Haiti as one of the largest private relief efforts launched from the U.S.

The cost of chartering the plane was covered by Dow Chemical, organizers said, Exxon donated the fuel, and several hospitals provided equipment and supplies totaling about $750,000.

“We’ll be there for a week, and we’re establishing a commitment with a hospital to have future trips as well,” said a member of the team.

A Boston philanthropist and his wife also kicked in additional cash for trip, which is similar to number of other relief flights they’ve sponsored from the U.S.

The plane will also carry back between 60 and 75 orphans who have been approved for transport by the U.S. State Department. The flight is expected to arrive in Bedford Saturday evening.