WEST ORANGE, Nj — Helping the less fortunate can be viewed as an honorable cause. Carina Durning, a student at West Orange High School (WOHS) is the proud founder of Mama Bear Homeless Care, an organization on a mission to serve the West Orange homeless population.

Durning’s “non-profit organization creates care bags filled with hygiene products, snacks, and useful items to give to the homeless. So far everyone who has received a bag has been very appreciative.” Durning mentioned that she wanted to start the organization because, “Growing up, I lived in an area that had a large homeless population. Every day I would see so many people in need and I would feel helpless because I, myself, had no way to help them.” Durning stated that “The organization has definitely progressed since April. I have handed out sixty bags and I am in the process of collecting donations to create more bags for Thanksgiving at Christine’s Kitchen.” By the end of 2017, she plans to help as many people as possible, but is looking to spread her non-profit organization throughout New Jersey by the end of 2018.  Although Durning mentioned that “Right now I am the only person who holds a permanent position in my organization. I am the founder and project manager.” She continued that she is “always searching for volunteers and anyone who would like to be a member of the organization.” Durning hopes other members of the West Orange community share her mindset and will look into helping or volunteering for her organization.