NEWPORT NEWS
For most Americans, a cardboard box is a mere convenience, a tool for storage or shipping.
But, for some people, including thousands of children around the globe, a disposable box can be home.
In an effort to raise public awareness of the plight of such homeless youth, scores of students at two college campuses, including Christopher Newport University, will abandon the comfort and safety of their residence halls and apartments today.
They'll move into makeshift shelters fashioned of cardboard scraps.
The effort is spearheaded by a locally-based international charity, Orphan Helpers, which says there are as many as 143 million orphaned children around the world, many living in little more than the discards of society.
The overnight event will begin at 7 p.m. at CNU and at Wheaton College in Chicago, said the Rev. Cory Newell, a spokesman for the group. It will end Saturday at 9 a.m.
Organizers expect between 100 and 200 students to participate in Newport News, gathering this evening to spend the night on the Great Lawn of the campus.
"I am so impressed with the student response," said Brandi Buissett, a student who is helping to organize the event. "Everyone is so excited to help this amazing cause," she said in a statement Thursday.
Greg Garrett, the founder of Orphan Helpers, said he hopes this event will lead to similar efforts on other college campuses, encouraging young adults to take action to aid international orphans.
Orphan Helpers is described on its web site as a multi-denominational, Christian ministry dedicated to serving and ministering to the physical, spiritual, educational and emotional needs of orphaned, abused and incarcerated children.
The group assists in orphanages and detention centers internationally, with a focus on El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Steve Stone, (757) 446-2319/2309, steve.stone@pilotonline.com
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If they really want to help
If they really want to help them, then the first thing for these students to do is stroke them a check.
thumbs down
I give these college students a thumbs down for what they are doing. Like one of the posters here said,they are doing it during the time of the year when the weather is pleasant. Now if they were willing to spend a month in a box and have to scrounge for food,then they would get a thumbs up. These kids know full well it's nothing more than a glorified camping trip. And if the truth be known,there is probably some big breakfast planned for them after their "ordeal"
Actions speak louder than words
These youth are taking steps beyond "words". Sometimes it's easier to sit back and be critical than it is to invest personal time, money or effort to make a change. My wife and I just came home from adopting an orphan. We also financially support several orphanages. We applaud these youth for trying to raise awareness and therby help to facilitate change. Our new son applauds their efforts as well. Thanks for what you are doing! Great things often get birthed out of small beginnings.
That's the college way
It's always been the college way to have a party and pretend it's for a good cause. Noticed they picked the nicest time of year to be outside too.
On the other hand
They are doing something.
They should be..
They should be raising awareness of Manbearpig!!! Manbearpig must be stopped!!!
IDIOTS part 2
Raising awareness by 'playing fort' with carboard boxes; how creative and effective! So this is how college students plan to solve all the problems of the world. Help us all.
Idiots
Symbolism over substance - the rally cry of the left. This will do absolutely nothing to help the problem they're trying to "raise awareness" over.