Project Hercules: Local Family Giving to Others in Son’s Memory

Hastings’ grandmother, Lisa Davis (left), and aunt, Hillary Curbow, deliver 50 bereavement baskets to Christy Whitley, perinatal social worker at the NMMC Women’s Hospital.

TUPELO, Mississippi—For the past three years, family and friends of Hamp and Alexia Shaw of Belden have honored the memory of their son, Hastings, by helping other bereaved families at North Mississippi Medical Center Women’s Hospital in Tupelo. On Nov. 20, Hastings’ third birthday, they donated 50 baskets for families experiencing the unthinkable.

“When we lost Hastings, it was a grief that none of us had known before,” says his grandmother, Lisa Davis of Belden. “It opened our eyes to how many people have suffered that same loss. In 2019, we left Women’s Hospital weeping. This year on Hastings’ birthday, we left there feeling thankful. We are grateful that through the love we have for Hastings, we are able to extend love to others.”

While they realize a basket won’t take away a family’s grief, they believe it will let them know they are loved and not alone. “It’s really nice to help people who have to leave Women’s Hospital empty-handed,” says Hastings’ mother, Alexia. “It was devastating for me, and I have a ton of support. I realize that not everyone has that support. We want them to be able to cherish their child’s memory.”

Shortly after losing Hastings, the family made their first donation for families in need at Women’s Hospital. On his first birthday, they put together their first seven baskets filled with items to comfort grieving families. “We were looking for a way to celebrate Hastings’ birthday in a way that made that day feel joyous and not sad,” Lisa says.

Baskets include several items that may include a book on coping with the loss of a child, an angel figurine, devotion book, memorial teddy bear, or blanket, jewelry or keychain inscribed with scripture.

On his second birthday, Lisa created an Amazon wish list and shared it on her Facebook page. “The response was phenomenal,” Lisa says. “We were able to donate 20 baskets.”

Before his third birthday, they announced their plans for Project Hercules. When the Shaws were expecting, Hamp told his family that he would like to name their son “Hercules” after their favorite Disney character. It seemed fitting that a charity in his memory bear the moniker.

“We launched Facebook and Instagram accounts in hopes of reaching more people,” Lisa says. “The response just blew us away.”

The family is grateful for donations from TM Realtors, Sunteck TTS-Mississippi and many others that are allowing them to reach families this year through Project Hercules. “I hope these baskets sit there and collect dust for many years,” Lisa says. “I wish none of them would ever have to be used.” But when other families suffer loss like they did, she says, “it’s a huge blessing to our hearts” to help them in Hastings’ memory.