Homeless for a night

HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS: Emily Brooks, left, and Aeron Spencer participated in the “Night In A Box” event last weekend at Culpeper United Methodist Church. The third-annual event was intended to promote awareness of homelessness in the community.

By: By Amy Wagner | Contributing writer | Culpeper Star-Exponent
Published: January 15, 2010

Twenty-four fifth- and sixth-graders at Culpeper United Methodist Church experienced homelessness, in a small dose, last weekend.

Trying to get comfortable by making their beds in boxes or on the hard floor, the children settled in for a restless night without the comforts of home.

The third annual “Night in A Box” was under way by 8:30 p.m. Saturday, and by 12:30 p.m. Sunday, most of the youth were ready to climb into their own beds, wrapped in the warmth of their own blankets, and get a much needed nap.

A mission project for the church youth, “Night in a Box” raises money for Teens Opposing Poverty, a group actively recruiting youth to take a stand and fight against hunger and poverty.

Scheduled to take place outside, with the idea of sleeping in boxes under the stars, adjustments were made due to temperatures plummeting into the teens. Inside the church, the community room became the lodging quarters for the evening, with plans to sleep on the floor or in boxes donated by Lane’s Appliances, Jenkins Rent To Own, Merchant’s Tire, and Sears.

Lee Anne Orndorff, event organizer and children’s minister at CUMC, said “Night In A Box” gives youth a deeper appreciation of what homeless folks have to go through day in and day out. “It makes them more grateful for what they do have”, said Orndorff.

There was little food and more focus on activities Saturday evening, including discussions about poverty, what it means to be homeless and Teens Opposing Poverty. As part of the event, participants were encouraged to raise money. Proceeds will go toward purchasing backpacks and toiletries that will be distributed to Richmond-area homeless people during a TOP trip Jan. 24, and the remaining funds donated to TOP.

On Sunday morning, groggy, hungry, sleep-deprived youth were seen in boxes on the steps of the church, out back by the fellowship hall and outside the community room as church members and visitors arrived for worship at all three services.

Missing the comforts of home? Absolutely.

These youth, however, returned home Sunday afternoon with a greater appreciation of the roof over their heads and the everyday luxuries they have.

Amy Wagner covers church news for the Star-Exponent. Have a story idea? E-mail herat recopps2002@comcast.net