Two Logan-Hocking Middle School seventh graders turned kindness into action by partnering with the BJ Hughes Scholarship to donate stuffed animals to pediatric patients at Hocking Valley Community Hospital (HVCH).
The effort began when seventh-grade students Carter Helms and Josslyn Robinette approached school staff with an idea: collect stuffed animals to brighten the day of children facing hospital stays. Both students were inspired by their own experiences receiving stuffed animals during medical visits—and their goal is to pass that same comfort and encouragement on to others.
Carter and Josslyn first developed their idea last summer. After months of planning, they connected with the LHMS Guidance Office and administration to make their vision a reality. Knowing that the BJ Hughes Scholarship organizes a stuffed animal collection each year, the school reached out to the Hughes family, who enthusiastically partnered with LHMS for the 2025 effort.
To those who watched him play between 2002 and 2004, BJ Hughes was a standout athlete—a three-sport competitor known for taking over football games as a receiver and commanding the basketball court as a point guard. Following his tragic passing in 2011, his family established the BJ Hughes Scholarship to carry on his legacy of determination, leadership, and heart. Today, the scholarship fund continues to support local students while engaging in community projects like this year’s stuffed animal drive.
Both Carter and Josslyn shared their inspiration for the project.
Carter remembers the calming impact a stuffed animal had during one of her own hospital experiences.
“I remember when I broke my arm when I was younger, I got a stuffed animal and it made me feel a lot calmer and happier while I was in the hospital. I hope this drive helps provide that same comfort to a child who is injured or sick—to help them feel better, supported, and more hopeful.”
Josslyn’s connection to the project runs deeply as well. She faced a rare birth defect called Chiari malformation, a condition where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal due to limited space in the skull.
“They tried to put off surgery,” she shared, “but I was having headaches, vision issues, and trouble walking, so in kindergarten I had surgery and was hospitalized for six months.”
During that long stay, a nurse brought her a stuffed animal that became a source of comfort and hope.
“I was told I would never be able to play sports or do normal activities, like running or swimming. That stuffed animal helped me get through tough days and reminded me I could beat the odds.”
Although she didn’t begin swimming until fifth grade, Josslyn proved doctors wrong. Today, she is an active runner who competes in both track and cross country. She still keeps that same stuffed animal close as a reminder of her progress and resilience.
Hocking Valley Community Hospital thanks all the students for donating this year, and the BJ Hughes family for their continued support.