By Steve Harmic, Penn State DuBois
DUBOIS – The Penn State DuBois Service Above Self (SAS) Club and the Student Life Office have organized a Sleep Out for Hunger to take place on campus in October.
The aim of the event is to raise awareness of the struggles faced by the homeless, as well as to raise money for a local shelter. Participating students will sleep outside on campus on the night of Oct. 12, plus have the option to participate in a 24-hour fast. They’re now collecting sponsorships for each hour of the sleep out and fast. Proceeds from sponsorships will benefit the Haven House Shelter.
“We will literally be sleeping outside on campus, along East DuBois Avenue,” said SAS Vice President Louise Whyte. “Students are asked to bring themselves, a sleeping bag or blanket, and we will have as many cardboard boxes as we can collect from local businesses to give to students to build their own shelter. We will be sleeping in cardboard boxes, no tents or other shelter.”
Haven House is operated entirely by volunteers, 24 hours per day and 365 days per year. Since its inception, the shelter has served over 343 homeless people, including 50 children. In all, it adds up to 10,260 nights slept and 20,520 meals served.
For more information, contact the Penn State DuBois Office of Student Life at 814-375-4764 or email mag374@psu.edu.