HOMELESS FOR A NIGHT - DEC

On Nov. 7 I had an experience I’ll never forget. Northport High School sponsors a club called “Students for 60,000” and we do many charity events to help those in need as much and as often as we can. This event was different, though.

I had to sleep outside in a cardboard box. Thanks to the 100 kids who participated, we raised about $25,000 in donations from kind supporters.

I thought my three layers of jackets and four pairs of socks would be more than enough to keep me warm and cozy. But as the night progressed and the temperature dropped to 36 degrees, I began to wish I had worn that extra layer my mom had urged me to put on. I found myself thinking, homeless people don’t have an arctic sleeping bag, a ski jacket or even gloves; all they have is maybe a blanket, a sweatshirt, jeans and a pair of socks. I thought it insane that over 60,000 people in New York City had to go to sleep every night knowing they might not survive the below-freezing temperatures.

Learning first-hand what homeless people have to go through, even for one night, will stay with me for the rest of my life, and I look forward to participating again. Thank you so much to the very generous St. Margaret’s parishioners who supported me in this eye-opening event.

~ Grace Hoenscheid