Sion James, a Charlotte Hornets rookie, leverages his role to give back through his foundation, hosting a toy drive to support local youth this December.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Just a couple months into his professional career with the Charlotte Hornets, rookie Sion James is making an impact both on and off the court.

The former Duke star came to Charlotte with passions outside of basketball. For Sion, philanthropy through his foundation provides another way to connect with his community.

“There’s a lot of sides to it. Of course playing basketball is what I do it’s my job and the thing that I love to do, but it also gives me the opportunity to do more which is why I try to really make the most out of it by hosting events and giving back in my community wherever I can,” said Hornets guard Sion James. “And the other really cool side is I don’t have to do any of it alone. It’s the great part about being here in Charlotte, being part of this organization and having my agency behind me as well that I have help everywhere so it doesn’t have to just be on my shoulders.”

On Saturday, December 6, James will host his second annual One 4 All Toy Drive at Carolina Courts in Indian Trail, NC.

“What we’re gonna do is have visitors come and everyone brings a toy for admission. That gives you the opportunity to shoot free throws for raffle items,” said James. “Depending on how many free throws you make you get tickets for raffle items. We’ve got a pretty good spread of donated raffle items and we also have a smaller monetary silent auction off to the side.”

James’ first toy drive in 2024 took place in Durham while he was playing at Duke. This year in Charlotte, the event will benefit My Brother’s Keeper Charlotte-Mecklenburg (MBKCLTMECK, whose “mission is to improve the outcome for boys and young men of color by supporting initiatives.”

“I just think of the holidays when I was a kid and it’s just such a special time, especially for kids and families who are struggling throughout the year,” said James. “It’s just a nice opportunity to stop and kind of have a moment for your kids in general. As a whole, the foundation focuses on all kinds of vulnerable populations and this is just a nice fun time to do something fun for the kids.”

Sion has become an integral part of the Hornets this season, finding himself in the starting lineup frequently. For Sion, he also recognizes the impact he’s able to make as a professional athlete.

“I also feel like it’s part of the responsibility. I say it all the time: we get to play a game for a living which is one of the biggest blessings in my life. I feel like in having that it’s our responsibility to use the platform that we’re given, use all the resources that we’re given and give it back to our communities.”

For more information about the One 4 All Toy Drive and to RSVP, go to @sionjamesfoundation on Instagram.