A former Queen Creek Hometown Hero continues his work giving back to the community.

More than 50 students from Coolidge Elementary School recently joined Campbell’s Crew Cares founder Campbell Faulkner on a $25,000 shopping spree at the Queen Creek Walmart Supercenter, 21055 E. Rittenhouse Road.

Faulkner, 18, was named Leader of Tomorrow by the Queen Creek Independent in 2023 when he was 16 for establishing Campbell’s Crew Cares.

On Sept. 6, Faulkner was presented with a $25,000 check by Angie Bills, manager of the Queen Creek Walmart Supercenter and winner of Walmart’s Helen R. Walton award to provide donations to community nonprofits.

Campbell put the money to good use by footing the bill so the students from Coolidge Elementary could stock up on back-to-school clothing essentials, according to a press release.

The students were also able to select a special toy from Campbell’s Toy Chest and were treated to lunch. Additional funds will support efforts for students during the holidays, the release continued.

“Campbell’s Crew Cares selected Coolidge Elementary after a teacher shared how hard-working families were struggling to make ends meet. The Campbell’s team has seen firsthand what a difference new clothes and supplies make for students,” the release stated.

Faulkner has mitochondrial disease, a disorder that occurs when the mitochondria are unable to completely burn food and oxygen to generate energy. Symptoms might include poor growth, developmental delays and muscle weakness. There's no cure, but symptoms can be managed with physical therapy and medications.

He was inspired to create Campbell's Crew Cares in 2017 when he was just 11 after the Make a Wish Foundation sent him to Wrigley Field in Chicago to go see Kyle Schwarber, then of the Chicago Cubs, play ball. On the flight home, Faulkner asked to create a charity, so he could help people in need because of all the people who had helped him. 

Faulkner, now “chief inspirational officer” of Campbell's Crew Cares, works with businesses and individuals to collect donations to help children and families in need and provide them with clothing and food.