MCPHS Occupational Therapy Students Organize Successful Fundraiser for Refugees

A group of OT students led by Abigail McCaffrey, MSOT ’22, worked with the International Institute of New England to collect donations for refugees fleeing Afghanistan.

MCPHS occupational therapy (OT) students raised more than $1,000 in a 10-day fundraising effort from October 18 to October 28, 2021, to support Afghan refugees. Donations came entirely from the MCPHS community, including students and faculty in the Manchester and Worcester OT programs.

The fundraiser was organized by members of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA), which promotes professional development and community engagement among OT students. SOTA President Lauren Horan, MSOT ’22, credits the success of the effort to Vice President Abigail (Abbie) McCaffrey, MSOT ’22.

Abbie and her team had been looking for service opportunities since forming their executive board in November 2020 but faced challenges due to COVID-19 restrictions. When Assistant Professor Angela Butler, MS, OTR/L, mentioned past work with the International Institute of New England (IINE), Abbie reached out to explore a partnership. IINE provides a range of services, including legal assistance, housing support, and job placement. On November 10, Abbie and two other SOTA members delivered the donations to IINE’s Manchester location. “They were so grateful!” she said.