Harper’s Helpers brings joy to children at Duke Hospital
What began as a second-grade service project has grown into a heartwarming annual mission of kindness for one Kinston family.
Harper’s Helpers is the creation of Harper Ham, now a middle school student, who was born with hydrocephalus, a condition that causes fluid buildup on the brain. After undergoing six brain surgeries, four of them at Duke Hospital, Harper decided she wanted to give back to other children who spend long days facing medical tests, surgeries and recovery.
The idea started simple: collect small toys, craft kits and comfort items for pediatric patients. Each gift, from Play-Doh and painting kits to dolls and fidget toys, serves as a distraction during difficult moments, whether before an MRI or after surgery.
“Sometimes hospitals give children something to take their mind off what’s happening,” Harper’s mother, Lindsey Ham said. “Harper remembered getting a little doll once and how much it lifted her spirits. She wanted other kids to feel that same joy.”
Since that first year, Harper’s Helpers has continued to grow. Last year alone, the project collected and delivered more than 400 donated items to Duke Hospital. This year, donations are already coming in through the family’s Amazon wish list, which allows supporters to send gifts directly to Harper’s home for sorting and packaging.
“Some days we’ll come home and there are 10 boxes waiting on the porch,” Ham said. “The kids get so excited opening them, even though they know the toys aren’t for them. They love seeing what other children will receive.”
Harper films thank-you videos to send to donors, ensuring every contributor knows their gift matters. Her younger brother, Hudson, also joins in, helping unpack and organize the deliveries before the family makes their annual trip to Duke around Thanksgiving.
For Harper, it’s about more than giving gifts. It’s about hope.
“I remember getting a toy from the hospital when I was little,” Harper said. “It made me happy when I didn’t feel good, and I wanted other kids to feel that way too.”
Harper’s Helpers has become a tradition of compassion that continues to inspire the community. Each package represents a small but powerful reminder that kindness can come from anyone, even a child who once lay in a hospital bed herself.
Those interested in supporting Harper’s Helpers can visit the family’s Amazon wish list or contact Neuse News for donation details.
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