PNC Nursing Students Donate School Supplies

PNC NursingDonationThe Purdue University North Central students in the Community Health Nursing class recently donated variety of school supplies to children in Guatemala through the Hearts in Motion organization.

Each semester, students in the class taught by Peggy Rose, PNC assistant professor of Nursing, collect items to be given to local charities and organizations. "It is our way of giving back to those people who need us the most," said Rose. Each semester the students in Rose's class help out a different cause. They've collected food, scarves, mittens and other basic necessities for those in need.

This semester, the students brought in enough supplies to fill several cardboard boxes. The school supplies are those that would be welcomed in any classroom - pencils, pens, crayons, pencil sharpeners, markers, erasers, coloring books, work books, readers and more.

PNC student Shalonda Willis, of Gary, said that she was happy that her class took on the project. "I was fun getting things together to donate," she said. "I want to help out when and where I can."

Priscilla Sepulveda, of Griffith, agreed. "It try do what I can do to help out. We should all be looking out for one another."

The students agreed that their compassion and caring for those in need is the reason behind their wanting to become nurses.

"I always try to reach out to those in need," said Sepulveda.

Elizabeth Malast, of Portage, added, "This is a great opportunity to reach out to people in another country and better understand their needs. As nurses, it is important for us to be culturally aware. I'm happy we have this opportunity."

Rose explained that she and Dr. Diane Spoljoric, PNC interim department chair of Nursing; recently traveled to Guatemala through Hearts in Motion, a Munster-based organization. The Harts in Motion mission is simple - it aims to provide care and medical treatment to families, children through its programming and sponsorships in the U.S. and South America.

Rose looks forward to other PNC departments partnering with Hearts in Motion to help its many programs, including nutrition centers, orphanages, the construction of schools and playgrounds and the donation of items that range from eye glasses to sports equipment.

"When you see people in need, you realize how much that we can do to help," she said. "I hope that we can do something to help those who need us the most."