Norman youths think inside the box to help the area’s homeless

The youths, who each donated money to participate, raised $1,900 in the annual Night in a Box event sponsored by Community Action Ministries and Norman Network of Youth Ministries, spokeswoman Donna Hooper said.

"The weather was perfect for spending the night out, compared to past years,” said Hooper. "Still, several were used to their warm beds and could not get warm enough.”

Young people arrived at the event at University Christian Church, 616 Bud Wilkinson Drive, with canned goods, cardboard boxes, duct tape and a sleeping bag or blanket. They could wear layers of clothes but had to leave their cell phones, other electronic devices, pillows and snack food behind, Hooper said.

The young people were asked to refrain from eating that day to get a more accurate feel for what it’s like for homeless people on a daily basis, Hooper said.

Each participant contributed a canned vegetable, which was mixed together and turned into a soup for the group’s evening meal.

This is the sixth year for the event, which Hooper said serves as an educational experience as well as a fundraiser.

Proceeds from the event go to Compassionate Pointe and other nonprofit organizations that work to prevent homelessness.

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