GREENFORD Pupils know how it feels to be left out in the cold

An event gave pupils a better perspective on the plight of the homeless.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
GREENFORD -- Police sirens, flashing lights and stern demands to gather their belongings and vacate the premises roused the 54 South Range Middle School pupils from their beds.
On the football field at the middle school in Greenford, the pupils in grades six to eight slept in boxes as part of a Homeless Box night sponsored by the South Range Middle School Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Perspective
Karen Landis, a parent volunteer, said organizers saw the event, held late last month, as a chance to give pupils a better perspective of the plight of the homeless. Area police helped in the effort.
"At 5 a.m. Saturday, police cars pulled right onto the football field, they flashed lights in the children's faces, and told the kids they had to get off the property," Landis said. "It was just as it is for many homeless people who are asked to leave where they're sleeping. It made quite an impact."
The pupils took to the field Oct. 24, eating chicken noodle soup around midnight and sleeping in large boxes decorated like houses, churches and motor homes. They raised $2,200 through various donations and presented a check Thursday to Columbiana County Habitat for Humanity.
"I think they learned a lot," Landis said. "They learned to appreciate a lot. It didn't rain, but it was cold, very cold. They were hungry. But they all loved it."
Landis said the fellowship, which conducts monthly community events, sponsored a box night with a similar group of pupils a few years ago and hopes to continue the event on an annual basis.