Laing Middle School students make life-changing gifts for kids in need

This article was originally published on abc4News.com. 

MT. PLEASANT, S.C. (WCIV) — It's a learning opportunity with a purpose. Laing Middle School students and the Medical University of South Carolina are providing toy vehicles for young children with disabilities so they can move around independently.

The Laing Middle School and MUSC program Go Baby Go gifted four families a Christmas miracle.

The four young children with mobility disabilities can now move around independently with their modified toy vehicles made especially for them.

Lisa Sewell says the small green car gifted to her grandson is life changing.

“It feels amazing because I just want what is best for my grandson and whatever it is that I can continue to use at home that is being used at PT and OT, that is what I want for him ," says Sewell.

Dr. Patty Coker-Bolt says it is not just the families that receive a gift from the program.

The students from Laing Middle School and MUSC get to see the amazing impact their learning and training have on people's lives.

“And people see their children as children. The do not see their child with a disability; they see their child playing and laughing and having a good time just like children,” says Dr. Coker-Bolt.

Each car takes about a week to complete and each is modified to each child’s mobility issue.

“You know, to see children that have physical impairments be able to get out in their environment and to play like any other child is important. You know, that is why we do what we do," says Coker-Bolt.

Dr. Mel Goodwin, the stem coach at Laing Middle School oversees the project.

He says their goal is to build up to 100 cars a year.

“It gives them a lot of confidence, and allows them to be a part of something that is really pretty special, to be able to help little kids who can not move on their own, to actually get the mobility that a normal 2-, 3-, 4-year-old has," says Goodwin.

The program accepts donations online.