Volunteers are needed to stuff the Message of Hope Foundation's "Happy Hope Bags" on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gleason Family YMCA, during the "Hope Happens" family fun day.

The organization was founded by West Wareham resident Emi Burke, and supports children with special needs and chronic illnesses by providing basic and life-changing equipment, along with a boost of hope, through the Happy Hope Bag project.

Burke's youngest son, Conor, was diagnosed with profound global developmental delays and epilepsy, and Burke realized the need for Happy Hope Bags.

"The idea came to us as our youngest child was being treated at Duke Children's Hospital in North Carolina. We quickly realized there was a need for basic entertaining items to help children find hope while sitting for hours in a hospital," she said.

Children across Massachusetts have been collecting crayons, coloring books, stickers, Playdoh, iTunes gift cards, playing cards, and other items to fill the bags, which will be distributed to children at Boston Children's Hospital and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

A surprise gift certificate will be given to the first 100 bag-stuffing volunteers on Saturday. The goal is to reach 2,000 stuffed bags.

For more information, visit www.messageofhopefoundation.org or call Emi Burke at 888-201-4673.