our story
Jessy’s Toy Box began with a simple moment of kindness. Imagine being four years old, sitting in an infusion chair, scared and confused—until someone places a red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger in your hands. It doesn’t erase the fear, but it brings comfort and distraction when it’s needed most. That moment changed everything for a little boy named Jessy.
James “Jessy” Haberman was born on October 10, 2009, with a rare genetic syndrome doctors initially couldn’t name. His parents were told he might never walk or talk, but Jessy defied expectations from the start—walking at 14 months and, by age three, saying the word his mom had longed to hear: “Mommy.”
A Life of Courage and Giving
By seven months old, Jessy had undergone his first major surgery. Over the next eight years, he endured 15 surgeries, including two open-heart procedures. Hospitals were a constant part of his life, yet they never dimmed his smile or the joy he brought to others.
During an iron infusion in Fargo, North Dakota, Jessy received a toy—the same red Power Ranger. That simple gift inspired him to want to give back to other children facing similar challenges. The following Christmas, Jessy and his family delivered a van full of toys to their local infusion center. The next year, it was two vans. Then three.
Carrying Jessy’s Legacy Forward
On February 19, 2018, following his second open-heart surgery, Jessy passed away. Before going into surgery, his biggest concern wasn’t himself. He asked, “If my heart gets better, can I still do Jessy’s Toy Box?” His family promised his mission would continue.
Today, Jessy’s Toy Box is a nonprofit organization collecting toys, gift cards, and monetary donations 365 days a year—because kids are sick 365 days a year. Donations are collected year-round in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Florida, with additional collections in other states throughout the year.
Jessy’s legacy lives on—one toy, one smile, one child at a time.