Campbell DPT students collect supplies for Harnett County exceptional children’s program

Doctor of Physical Therapy students at Campbell University recently teamed up with Harnett County Schools to collect school and hygiene supplies for students with special needs across the county.

The Pediatric Special Interest Group (PEDs SIG) in Campbell's DPT program organized the 30-day supply drive with Harnett County Schools' Exceptional Children's Program. The items will help teachers and support staff enhance learning, participation, and daily activities for students receiving exceptional children's services.

The student board and faculty advisor Dr. T. R. Goins created a flyer listing the program's needs and shared it across the DPT program's social media channels. Collection buckets were placed in Smith Hall. Campbell's School of Education saw the posts and asked to join, and a second bucket was placed in Taylor Hall.

At the end of the drive, students delivered the donations to April Hood, director of Exceptional Children at Harnett County Schools.

"Making a difference starts with serving those who make meaningful impacts in our community," said Natalie Deck, a second-year student physical therapist and president of the PEDs SIG board.

"These educators play an invaluable role in enhancing learning, participation, and daily activities for all their students. By donating school supplies and hygiene supply products, we hoped to offer a small token of appreciation for their dedication, compassion, and hard work while reminding them how valued they truly are."

Students with diverse abilities often need additional materials and resources to support their education. The drive gave future physical therapists a chance to contribute directly to children and educators in their own community.

Deck explained how delivering the donations was a powerful moment for the group.

"It was an indescribable feeling witnessing the joy that even a small act of kindness can bring. This is what God calls us to do, to serve," she said. "It reminds us how blessed we are to give back to those who give so much to our community."

"It felt great to drop off the supplies and know that we were able to support not only the teachers in Harnett County but also the students," said Gabe Douglass, the Class Board Treasurer. "Seeing all the donated items brought a huge smile to my face. It felt amazing."

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and supporting children of all abilities.

For Campbell DPT students, it also reinforced the importance of community engagement, advocacy, and collaboration with educators and other professionals who serve children with disabilities.

Deck noted the group plans to keep serving.

"We believe God calls us to serve others, give generously, and share his love through our actions," she said, "and we look forward to continued acts of service to further our mission of reaching as many people as possible through our passion for service and pediatric physical therapy."

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