High school students to sleep in park for fundraiser

Fri, Oct 10, 2008    to del.icio.us

Spring Lake High School students will sleep outside for eight hours this Saturday night with nothing but warm clothes and a cardboard box.

Organized by the service group Interact, "Box City" is an event that takes place every other year, giving students the opportunity to develop empathy for people less fortunate than others.

During the night, students will learn more about the challenges of being homeless through issue education activities and a few other surprises, said David Thuene, Interact adviser.

Students are collecting pledges, a minimum of $20, to participate, and all proceeds are donated to the Muskegon Rescue Mission.

"If students get pledges of at least $40, they also get to have a blanket," Theune said.

Thuene said he hopes at least 50 of the 80 students who picked up permission forms will arrive by the 9 p.m. registration Saturday in order to reach the $2,000 goal.

Last year, Interact hosted an all-night dance marathon and raised $4,000 for the Muskegon Rescue Mission.

To donate, bring goods to Spring Lake High School's parking lot at 9 p.m. Saturday. Donations can also be made by contacting Theune at 846-5501, ext. 1420, or dtheune@spring-lake.k12.mi.us.