CRAVEN COUNTY, N.C. -- Even superheroes had to take a break for COVID. Now, they're once again saving the day.
Volunteers with Project Superhero are ready to suit up once again.
Project Superhero is a non-profit organization that sends superheroes to visit kids.
“It just gets more and more fun every time we do it,” said Rodney Leary, the founder of Project Superhero. “I really feel like most people after they meet us, it helps make their day get a little brighter, which is what we're trying to do.”
Although they are based out of eastern North Carolina, they have traveled everywhere from Wilmington to Raleigh to Richmond, Virginia. Leary started Project Superhero in 2015 after he visited his daughter's school dressed as Batman. The visit went so well that the school asked him to come back for other events. That visit sparked the idea for a volunteer superhero project.
“To be able to get to do this for kids whether it be special needs or sick children in a hospital, it's a very fulfilling way to volunteer your time,” volunteer James Seretti said.
Over the past six years, the organization has grown drastically. In 2019, they were attending multiple events every week. However, since COVID hit, the group had to replace birthday parties, school visits and children's hospitals with zoom calls, social media shoutouts and drive-by parades.
“A lot of the kids wanted to see a superhero on their birthday, but couldn't have people come to their house for a birthday party,” Leary said. “I know that was heartbreaking. That personally happened to my children.”
Now, that restrictions are finally lifting, the volunteers are thrilled to get back out in public. Exceptional Children's Day at the Craven County Spring Fair was the first big in-person event they have had since February 2020. The kids at the fair were overjoyed to see their heroes.
“All kids dream of growing up and being superheroes,” Leary said. “So, I really think that we try to get over to every child we meet that they can be a superhero too in their own way. And in doing so, we make lasting impressions on the children.”
If you want to meet one of these superheroes, you can get in touch on their website. As a volunteer organization, Project Superhero also accepts donations and sponsorships from local businesses.
