Katie Hightower

When Shelby Howton was planning her daughter’s sixth birthday party, she did not expect young Memphis’s birthday request. Memphis said for her birthday, she did not want any presents. Instead, she wanted all of her gifts donated to Jackson County’s DHR so children in need could have a brighter Christmas.

Prior to the request, young Memphis learned about children helped by DHR when waiting for her little sister who was getting speech therapy. Memphis and her mother, Shelby, were sitting on the outdoor bench that sits between Jackson County DHR and Sunny Horizons when Memphis witnessed a family in crisis. Being a curious child, she asked her mother what was happening. Shelby explained to her daughter that sometimes families hit hard times and the children need some extra help.

 Learning this touched Memphis and inspired her to make a difference. 

On another day while sitting on the bench, Shelby and Memphis were making birthday plans. Shelby asked Memphis if she wanted a Christmas-themed birthday party, Memphis said it was a great idea but then she glanced at the door of Jackson County DHR and said, “I don’t want any presents though. They need it more than me.”

Memphis’s request spurred the beginning of an annual toy drive that only a year later, would help three counties. 

Memphis wanted to celebrate her birthday at the Hollywood 10 movie theater’s party room in Scottsboro. Shelby approached the manager, Amanda Crawford, about putting a donation box in the party room for the presents. Crawford was touched by Memphis’s generous heart. Crawford knew that the story could inspire others to contribute to the cause so she placed the box in the main lobby of the theater so the general public could donate. Then she shared the story on social media.

“Memphis Howton is one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met in my entire life. She is my inspiration and she is everything I want to be when I grow up,” said Crawford.

As the story was shared, it gained a lot of attention. When Erica Estes, owner of Southern Heating and Cooling, learned of the story, she was touched not only by Memphis’s generosity but also because Memphis’s father works for her company. As a supporter of her employees and their families, Estes bought up a bunch of presents and donated them. This year, Southern Heating and Cooling ran a billboard advertisement for the drive and has a box for toy drop-offs.

“It’s amazing that at such a young age, someone could have such a positive impact on so many people in this community. Memphis comes by it honest though. Her parents and extended family are some of the best people I know and seeing the outpouring of support from businesses in Jackson County shows that I am not the only one that feels this way about them. I love seeing so many pulling together to help bring joy to the children and teens involved with DHR,” Estes said.

Dr. Melissa Hamilton of Precise Family Dental learned of the story and it moved her to take action.

“Memphis is a very special friend of our at the office. When we saw her mom sharing her birthday wish last year, we knew we had to participate! We collected toys within the office and she picked them up from us! For someone so little to make such an impactful birthday wish that affects so many not wanting anything but to help those kids says a lot about her compassionate heart. She is just the sweetest and we just love to see all of the new businesses participating this year! It’s going to be a great toy drive all thanks to Memphis and her birthday wish last year!” Hamilton said.

With the support of everyone involved, the Jackson County DHR was able to distribute over 500 gifts to foster families in Jackson County last year.

This year, Memphis’s birthday wish is the same as last year. Her story, shared through the community, generated a lot of support and interest. This year, the Golden Wish Joy Drive will help DHRs in Jackson, DeKalb and Marshall Counties. With 18 drop-off locations in those counties, foster children will be able to have a magical Christmas.

Harbin Automotive ran billboard advertisements about this year’s toy drive and is a toy drop-off location. Harbin’s goal is to fill the bed of a truck with toys. 

“We at Harbin are excited to be a part of a great cause in our community. Memphis came into our showroom and shared her story on how her selfless birthday wish developed into the Golden Wish Joy Drive and is benefiting so many children in Jackson County,” Nicole Pearson said.

Drop-off locations in Jackson County are the Hollywood 10 Cinema, Southern Heating and Cooling, Southern Torch, Harbin Automotive, Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Chick-fil-A, Vanessa’s Boutique, Divine Faith Boutique, Precise Family Dental, Kids Kingdom and Better You Weight Loss and Wellness. Drop-offs will be accepted until Dec. 16 in Jackson County.

In DeKalb County, drop-off locations are Scooter’s Coffee, Landers McClarty Ford, Randy Posey’s Allstate office, Basswood Automotive and Practically Magic Spa. The cut-off day for donations will be Dec. 13 in DeKalb County.

Drop-off in Marshall County is Sand Mountain Toyota and Guntersville Chevrolet. The last day for donations in Marshall County will be Dec. 12.

“This is a huge benefit to the foster families to know they’re taken care of. Some of the families have multiple kids and this is a huge load taken off of them. We appreciate it so much,” said Jennifer Owens from the Jackson County DHR.

Owens said anyone interested in fostering or adopting children can call the Jackson County DHR at 256-575-6000.