Small Acts, Big Impact for Local Students

Through quiet dedication and community support, the LAMB Foundation is helping local students with intellectual disabilities thrive—one classroom at a time.

By Kevin Borton

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In the Topsail area, community isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life. It shows up in small gestures, familiar faces and neighbors who step in without being asked. And sometimes, it shows up in bright yellow aprons and a simple treat handed out with a smile.

That’s where the story of the LAMB Foundation of North Carolina begins. Locally, they’re supported by the Knights of Columbus Council #12281 in Hampstead.

You may have seen these Knights of Columbus volunteers outside local shops or at community events, offering Tootsie Roll candy and a friendly hello. It’s a small exchange, but one that has helped fuel something much bigger.

For more than two decades, this group of volunteers has quietly worked behind the scenes to support students with intellectual disabilities across Pender and Onslow counties. Through fundraising efforts that range from yard sales, Father/Daughter dances to golf outings and donation drives, they’ve helped provide more than $336,000 in grants to local classrooms over the years. However, it would not be possible without the many business owners from our area whose provide donations, gifts, and storefronts.  

The Topsail Area is known for its long uncrowded beaches, pirates’ lore, vibrant sea turtle and sea bird conservation, its military pride, WWII history, and southern hospitality.  It contains quaint shops, locally owned restaurants, and its quiet family communities.   

It’s also rich in community service; neighbors helping neighbors. The Knights embroil much of the Topsail Area atmosphere. The Knights of Columbus Council #12281 belonging to All Saints Catholic Church on US Highway 17 in Hampstead focus on four active foundations; Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.  

The impact of those dollars is anything but small and one-hundred percent of the donations goes to this cause. 

In classrooms across the area, teachers are using these funds to create more inclusive, hands-on learning environments. They’re building spaces where every student has the opportunity to succeed in ways that work for them. From sensory tools and communication aids to interactive books and life-skills programs, the resources funded by LAMB grants are tailored to meet student’s needs.

For some, that means strengthening fine motor skills with tactile tools like magnetic letters, lacing cards or sand trays. For others, it means building confidence through real-world experiences like cooking in a classroom kitchen or participating in outdoor activities, such as surfing and horseback riding.

“These trips are truly empowering for our students,” says Jennifer Dinkins, EC Adaptive Teacher at Topsail Middle School. “What starts as nervousness often turns into confidence, pride and a sense of accomplishment that stays with them long after the day ends.” 

Sonya Burgess, EC Adaptive Teacher at Topsail Middle School Elementary, sees that same transformation. “Students experience success, feel proud of themselves and see that challenges can turn into accomplishments,” she says. “It allows others to see their abilities rather than their disabilities.”

Inside the classroom, those moments of growth continue in quieter, but equally meaningful ways.

“I’m honored to share that receiving the LAMB Foundation grant has been one of the most transformative supports I’ve experienced in my teaching career,” says Jamie Rodenberger, EC Resource Teacher at Meadow View Elementary School, pointing to gains in both academic progress and emotional development.

At Dixon Elementary, speech-language pathologist Diane Tomlinson has seen how even small tools can make a lasting difference. “Interactive books that use visual and tactile cues have helped my students build vocabulary, practice sequencing and strengthen communication skills,” she says. “These resources make learning both effective and enjoyable, and they wouldn’t be possible without this support.” 

Mia Murphy SLP, Speech Language Pathologist at Topsail High School who also holds cooking classes states “Our goal is to empower students with the confidence and skills to prepare simple meals—an important foundation for independence and readiness for everyday life.”

   That sense of growth extends beyond lesson plans and classrooms. Parents see new sides of their children. Students discover abilities they didn’t know they had. Confidence builds in ways that carry into everyday life.

At the heart of it all is a simple mission: to support individuals with intellectual disabilities, regardless of background, faith, or ideology and to strengthen the community as a whole.

“It’s our mission and responsibility to help those in need,” says Kevin Borton, LAMB Director for Council #12281. “Our area is more than a vacation destination. It’s a community made up of real people, and the work we do can make a lasting difference. But the real heroes are our area teachers, local businesses that support our cause, and brave unyielding students and parents. “

Like many community-driven efforts, the need continues to grow. In 2025 alone, twenty-eight local teachers submitted more than $26,000 in grant requests, each one designed to support specific student needs for the upcoming school year. Thanks to generous donations, the group was able to fund $15,000. However, the goal moving forward is simple: Say yes to every request.

In a place like Topsail, that goal feels less like a challenge and more like a shared promise. Neighbors look out for one another, classrooms nurture students and community members show up, one small act at a time.

A COMMUNITY EFFORT

The LAMB Foundation’s work is made possible by local volunteers, families, and businesses who believe in supporting every student’s potential.

Those interested in learning more, making a donation, becoming a sponsor, or getting involved can contact:

Kevin Borton, Local LAMB Director – Council #12281

Email: LD12281@LAMBNC.ORG

Website: https://www.lambnc.org/

Next Charity Event is a Father / Daughter Dance on June 20, 20206 at the Hampstead Women’s Club and a Golf Outing on October 5, 2026 at Castle Bay Golf Club 

Every contribution—whether time, resources or support—helps create more opportunities for students to grow, connect and succeed.

HOW THE COMMUNITY SHOWS UP

From small moments to signature events, local support fuels every LAMB Foundation grant.

• Annual Charity Golf Outing

  • A community favorite bringing together local businesses and neighbors for a day on the course—all to support local classrooms. Next event: October 5, 2026

• Tootsie Roll Drives

  • You’ve likely seen the volunteers in yellow aprons outside local businesses—sharing a sweet treat while raising awareness and donations.

• Community Yard Sales & Family Events

  • From Father/Daughter dances on Fathers’ Day Weekends to local fundraisers, these gatherings turn everyday moments into meaningful impact.

• Local Business Support

  • Area businesses play a vital role through donations, sponsorships and hosting events—helping extend the reach of every dollar raised.

Together, these efforts directly fund classroom tools, learning resources and life-changing experiences for students across Pender and Onslow counties.