Contact Us
HGTC Physical Therapist Assistant Students Support Global Outreach Through Shoe Drive
Partnership with Samaritan’s Feet results in 40 pairs of donated footwear for international
distribution
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) students and faculty in the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program are making a meaningful impact beyond the classroom through a recent service initiative in partnership with Samaritan’s Feet.
As part of a community outreach effort connected to the American Physical Therapy Association South Carolina (APTA-SC) annual conference, HGTC’s PTA program collected 40 pairs of gently used sneakers to support individuals in need around the world. The donated footwear will be distributed through Samaritan’s Feet, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing shoes to children, adults, and seniors internationally, helping to promote health, dignity, and opportunity.
The initiative was led by HGTC faculty members, including Camila Denshuick, associate professor and program director of the Physical Therapist Assistant program; Chip Carroll, clinical coordinator and professor of Physical Therapist Assistant; and Dr. Samantha Oldroyd, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the School of Health Sciences. The collected shoes were delivered to the APTA-SC conference as part of a broader statewide campaign supporting Samaritan’s Feet.
“This effort reflects the heart of our mission at HGTC,” said Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, president of Horry-Georgetown Technical College. “Our students are not only preparing for meaningful careers in healthcare, but they are also learning the importance of compassion, service, and global citizenship. We are proud to see them making a difference in the lives of others.”
Samaritan’s Feet has served millions of individuals across more than 100 countries, providing shoes and hope to those facing significant economic and health challenges. Access to proper footwear plays a critical role in preventing disease, supporting mobility, and improving overall quality of life.
Through initiatives like this, HGTC continues to emphasize service learning and community engagement as key components of the student experience, reinforcing the College’s commitment to preparing graduates who lead with both skill and purpose.
For more information about Samaritan’s Feet and its global mission, visit: https://samaritansfeet.org/our-work/why-shoes/