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Paula Fox is in the middle of her 13th year of collecting toys for children in local hospitals.
The toy drive, in memory of her daughter, Jami, has collected more than 10,000 items over the years to share with hospitals in Stanly, Cabarrus, Rowan and Anson counties, Thomasville, Mint Hill, Levine’s Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.

“We also provide support to local families who need a little extra help this year,” Fox said. “We also supported (North Carolina State Highway Patrol) after a trooper lost everything in a fire just before Christmas by sending toys for the family that was transported county by county by the troopers to get it to the family in time.”
Fox says donations provided Christmas for more than 65 children last year. Families are often identified by local agencies and churches, she said.
“We will be partnering to send toys to Western NC this year as well, so we need a great turnout,” she said. “We accept new, unwrapped items for children of all ages. Small items that can be shared with children in the emergency departments or larger items that may go toward Christmas gifts for local families. Items such as stuffed animals, small dolls, trucks/cars, etc. are always great.”
Fox explained that items have to be new “due to infection control processes in the hospitals. When a child is given a gift, it’s theirs to take with them, we do not reuse them.”
Items can be dropped off at Frog Pond Performance (Frog Pond), Cabarrus County EMS Headquarters (Concord) and Community Baptist Church (Locust). Individuals can also private message through the Facebook page Jami’s Halo for more information.
“Our family founded Jami’s Halo after my daughter, Jami Pless, was killed in a car accident at 23. It allows our family to keep her memory alive and support our community,” Fox said.
“She graduated from West Stanly in 2007 and Stanly Community College in 2009. Jami was very close to her family and loved spending time with family and friends. She always had a positive attitude and loved to connect with people. She never met a stranger and could make people feel welcome. Jami loved being able to help others. Our goal is to provide help and hope to families in need. This time of year we remember her by providing Christmas gifts for families.”
In addition to local efforts, Jami’s Halo has partnered with Operation North Pole Appalachia to provide Christmas for more than 100 families in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina.
“We’re very excited to be able to support our neighbors, even when they are a little farther away,” Fox said.
A closing drive event will be 3-6 p.m. Dec. 15 at Frog Pond Performance.

B.J. Drye is general manager/editor of The Stanly News & Press. Call 704-982-2123.