GOLDSBORO — Goldsboro residents chanted, sang, and cried together for a missing boy Thursday.

A crowd turned out to march for Ken McLaurin Jr., 16, who was last seen by family more than a week ago. Friends and neighbors made T-shirts and held signs to try to raise awareness and bring the Goldsboro High School student home.

"It's a major wake-up call; we just need to keep our kids close; keep our kids close at all times cause we all in it together you know,” said Ken's mother Kimberly Best.

Even those who have never met McLaurin are holding on to hope. Residents made T-shirts and held signs above their heads.

"I don't even know this child but it goes at my heart and I prayed hard and long about this so I'm going to walk it out,” said Goldsboro resident Linda Martin.

The NAACP plans to meet with the family and law enforcement Friday. Anyone who thinks they may have seen Jen McLaurin Jr. or have any information regarding his disappearance, is asked to call the Goldsboro Police Department at 919-705-6572 or Crime Stoppers at 919-735-2255.