Harper’s Helpers seeks donations after collecting more than 500 items in 2025

Harper Ham is asking the community to help bring comfort to children at Duke Children’s Hospital through her annual Harper’s Helpers donation drive.

Harper, now 13 and in eighth grade, hopes to collect at least 500 items this year. Her mother, Lindsey Ham, said family, friends and community members donated more than 500 items in 2025.

“Last year we collected over 500 items with the donations from family, friends and our gracious community,” Ham said.

Harper started the service project in 2020 when she was in second grade. A patient at Duke Children’s Hospital herself, she has undergone six brain surgeries, according to the family’s 2026 flyer.

The project collects toys, books, craft supplies and comfort items to help brighten hospital stays. Supporters can purchase items through an Amazon wish list, with donations shipped directly to Harper’s home. Harper and her family plan to deliver the items to Duke in late November.

The effort also helps provide items beyond toys. Ham said financial contributions from several supporters allowed the family to purchase supplies the hospital finds difficult to keep in stock, including weighted blankets for patients with longer stays, microwavable stuffed animals called Warmies and shirts with zippers that allow access to ports for patients receiving cancer treatment.

As Neuse News reported in 2025, Harper’s own experiences receiving toys during hospital visits helped inspire her to give back to other children.

This year’s flyer lists books, Play-Doh and bracelet-making kits among the items supporters can donate. Each gift is intended to offer a distraction from the worries of being in the hospital.

Those interested in helping can scan the QR code on the Harper’s Helpers 2026 flyer to access the Amazon wish list. For more information, contact Lindsey Ham at 252-253-2100.