The Mountaineer

Under a starry sky, some teenagers got a taste of homelessness. 

To raise money for Share the Warmth, about 25 Tuscola High School students and faculty spent Thursday night in boxes in front of the school. The fundraiser gave students an idea of what it is like to be homeless and then have to go to school or work without the comforts of a home.

“Most of us are very blessed with warm homes, warm clothes and a warm bed to sleep in every night,” said Abby Christopher, co-president of SWAT TEAM (Students Will Achieve Together, Together Everyone Achieves More), the school service club that organized the event. “It’s good to put ourselves in other people’s shoes to be grateful for what we have.”

Students who spent the night outdoors in what was dubbed “Boxville” tried to raise at least $50 each and general donations were also accepted.

Cindy Allen, a Tuscola teacher who leads the SWAT TEAM, said they raised nearly $2,000 as of Friday morning. The money raised will go toward the Share the Warmth fund, which helps provide heat to those who are struggling financially. In addition to the SWAT TEAM, members of the Ecology and Key clubs participated, as well as members of the general student population.

Brooke Palay spent the night at Tuscola for the opportunity it would provide to see how some people live.

“I did this to support the SWAT TEAM and to raise money for a good cause,” Palay said. “To get this opportunity, how cool is it to sleep in a box and to be in another person’s shoes?”

Both Christopher and Palay said one night in the cold is worth it if they can help raise money to help another stay warm this winter.

Daniel Asnip participated in the event both this year and last year. He believes participating in the fundraiser is important.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to feel how homeless people feel, sleeping in boxes like this without incidentals,” Asnip said. “It’s kinda cool to get to do something you wouldn’t normally do, to step into somebody’s shoes who isn’t as fortunate.”

Students did get to have some of the comforts of home Thursday night. They lined their boxes with sleeping bags and blankets while bundling up in warm coats, scarves, hats and gloves. Lowes also donated a gas grill with propane and a fire pit to help students get through the evening.

Peace Jam members provided music while students hung out eating hot dogs or reading books.

Christopher said it was a good experience and that donations will continue to be accepted.

“It’s for the community,” she said.

“Count your blessings,” Palay added.

To make a donation, visit the school at 564 Tuscola School Road in Waynesville or call 456-2408.

To make a donation to Share the Warmth directly, call Mountain Projects at 452-1447.