Understanding the plight of others
Teens spend a night sleeping in cardboard boxes to raise homeless awareness Estimates put the number of homeless in Sussex County at 277 individuals, including 101 children. To raise awareness of the problem, Pass-it-Along a youth service organization and the Sussex County Interfaith Hospitality Network offered teens the chance to sleep outside in a box. The third annual Box City event was held Oct. 17 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Temperatures dipping into the low 30s, rain-sleet-snow and the thought of sleeping in a cardboard box did not dissuade the 90 Box City participants. “I was here last year and it started off as a lot of fun,” said Jack Heismyer. “We had games and talks and candlelight vigils. Then the rain started and it got really cold and I thought, Wow, this is not so much fun anymore...and thought more about the people who actually live everyday like this. So, I decided to come again this year and keep that perspective going.” Jack was the first Box tenant to set up his home this year. Tasting the life Students from local high schools, church groups, youth ministries and across the Sussex County community volunteered to sleep in boxes at the Fairgrounds as together they sought to raise homelessness awareness. Several people who had been homeless spoke to the group about their experiences, giving the residents of Box City a realistic view of life on the streets. Cardboard boxes donated by Sutherland Packaging and a roll of duct tape were the only tools given to those entering Box City. Smart thinking and engineering were put to the test as the young people made the new cardboard houses worthy to be called a home for the night. Some built vertical, some built horizontal, all built in an effort to find comfort, warmth and safety. “I am hoping the kids will step out of their comfort zones for the night and appreciate all that they do have in life,” said Matthew Querns, youth director at Sparta United Methodist Church. “I do not want them to feel guilty, just to feel compassion for others, and appreciation for the life they have.” Sam Cerbone, a sophomore from Pope John XXIII, arrived determined to sleep in a box. Since registering for the event, Sam was injured, but crutches did not stop her from participating, as she commented that the homeless do not have a choice when they are injured. Tim Pilewski arrived for his second year at Box City. “This event has given me a different view on life...I now have great respect for the homeless and want to do what I can to raise awareness to their situation, help in any way I can.” Students from all over shared similar sentiments and collectively remain hopeful that by raising awareness of the growing numbers of homeless, they can make a difference in Sussex county. Find out more Food donations and funds raised during the event go directly to help the homeless via programs offered by the supporting organizations. For information on Box City, Pass-it-along and Interfaith Network visit www.scihn.org or www.passitalong.org