HUMMELS WHARF — Dale and Mary Long and a group of dedicated youths from Wesley United Methodist Church were spending Wednesday night sleeping in a parking lot to raise money for the homeless.
Mr. Dale is the youth director at the Selinsgrove church, and most of the 30 youths were from his group.
The 17-hour event began at 6 p.m. on the parking lot of Aubrey Alexander Toyota, on Routes 11-15, and the youths, sixth- to 12th-graders, set up a mock squatter’s camp comprised of cardboard boxes to sleep in. They kept a fire burning in a metal barrel to stay warm.
The youngsters spent most of their waking hours soliciting funds from passing motorists, who were urged to toss coins and bills into buckets.
Last year, the event raised $3,300. This year, they were hoping to raise $5,000, Mr. Long said. This is the sixth year Long and his group have held sleep-outs.
“The idea behind the kids sleeping in boxes is to give them a sense, in a very small way, of what it’s like to live on the streets, even if it’s only for 17 hours,” he added. “Of course, the other object of this event is to raise money, 100 percent of which is donated to Haven Ministries and Elijah’s Bowl in Sunbury, and ministries that help the homeless in various inner cities through soup kitchens or shelters.”
“On this night every year, it doesn’t matter what the weather is,” he said, as the all-night vigil began. “It’s a mild night. Last year it rained. We have to be here. At this point, we’ve had kids who have done this four, five years. They’d be very disappointed if we didn’t do this.”
Mary Long said her reason for participating was the knowledge that “we can make a difference for someone who needs help. Even if the money we raise helps just one person, or a few, it is a worthwhile venture.”
The church pastor, Michael Stine, echoed that sentiment.
“It is a good thing we’re doing here,” he said. “This is the eve of a day that traditionally is about family and food. We are asking people to be aware of the blessings we have. And to think about those who are less fortunate, even as we sit down to enjoy our Thanksgiving meals.”
For the youths, the sleep-out was fun and meaningful.
Huddled next to the fire, Hunter Dawson, 15, of Selinsgrove, said, “This is the second year I’ve done this. At first, I thought it would be a cool thing to do and fun. But it rained, and it wasn’t any fun at all. The weather is better today. More important to me is, I just like helping people.”
Kirsta Reisinger, 15, of Selinsgrove, said: “This is my fifth year fundraising for the homeless. I do this because I think people should be involved in helping their own community. And I mean, not by just giving money, but by actually doing something. Getting involved. Doing this has made me realize that even when we are miserable and it’s raining and snowing, it’s only one day for us.
“For the homeless, there are no choices. No parents to go home to. They have to live in rain and snow.
“I also think this is educational. Especially for us as teenagers. We’re always safe in our homes. We’re protected. When you’re homeless you’re alone and there’s no one to help you. Maybe we can help a little.”
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