Wake County volunteers pack bags of hope for kids in need

On Saturday, over a dozen Wake County volunteers helped kids in the state's overloaded foster system.

Volunteers packed bag after bag of essential supplies in a Wake Forest strip mall for those in greatest need.

"We're a non profit organization who supports foster and homeless children in Wake County and surrounding counties," Myra John founder of Myra's Angels, said.

Myra John founded Myra's Angels in 2017 with a mission that's only become more urgent year after year.

"We used to make 20, 30 bags per month. And now it's up to that per week," John said. "So the need is huge."

Bags packed with essential supplies, toiletries, and other necessities are personalized for each child in need.

"We add underwear, socks and PJs. Stuffed animals, blankets and pillowcases," John said.

These supplies go to children in need, including those who have just been placed in foster care, those experiencing homelessness, and the more than 50 children who sleep in DSS offices and emergency departments in North Carolina every week.

"It's a crisis," John said.

Myra's Angles is supplied by donations and runs with the help of volunteers like Tennyson Walker, a high school junior.

"I find this very calming to me to know it's going to help somebody," Walker said.

However, despite all the help, keeping up with demand is a fight, a fight volunteers say is worth it for those most in need.

Individuals can simply help by giving a bag full of hope.

Myra’s Angels Foundation Masquerade Charity Ball will be held Nov. 3 at City Club Raleigh from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The fundraiser will have a live band, entertainment, silent and live auction and cash bar. Tickets can be purchased online.