The Faith and Hope Reach Out Center is sponsoring Box of Hope June 4-5. Workers at the center, area youth and other community members will be camping out for 36 hours in cardboard boxes in the center’s parking lot to raise awareness about homelessness in Surry County.
“It’s to raise awareness about homelessness in the area. We’ve seen an increase in the people we’re feeding,” said Angela Allen. “I’ve witnessed people living in sheds and under bridges here.”
Those volunteering to sleep in boxes are looking for sponsors in order to collect donations for the center. Faith and Hope is feeding around 120 people per week while serving one meal per day. It also has sandwiches and gives out food as needed. With donations, Allen hopes to be able to expand to serve three meals a day and provide computers with Internet access for those needing to look for jobs. She also plans to offer the center up as a mailing center for those who need an address to apply for government assistance.
Those participating in Box of Hope will be outside from 7 a.m. June 4 until 7 p.m. June 5. There will be music, food and a presentation on homelessness. There also will be a box contest for the best box, a scavenger hunt and other activities. Those who do not want to stay the whole night are still encouraged to stop by and sponsor someone who is planning to stay. Mayor Deborah Cochran will be making an appearance during the event as well.
“I think she too is aware of the problem we have here. She has a heart to serve and to help,” said Allen. “We want to make our community better. We want (visitors) to see this town really helps its people, really cares about this situation in the community.”
Allen believes that many people in the county are not aware of the issue homelessness is becoming. Because they do not see the issue, they may not be motivated to do something to help.
“You wouldn’t (know) if you didn’t know where to go in the county. We do have a problem here and we want to target that with Box of Hope. We need to help address it before it gets bigger,” said Allen. “I think of Matthew 35 ... and that’s a principle I live by.”
Allen hopes the fundraiser will not only raise awareness but will raise needed funds to keep the center going. According to her, the center is growing every day and is providing a needed service. It has recently partnered with a local food ministry and hopes to be able to do more with that help.
“The center is growing every day. It’s a nice place for people to hang out in fellowship,” she said.
The center also will have a free summer youth program which will provide breakfast and lunch as well as sponsoring different fun activities such as basketball, paintball and skateboarding.
“We need donations with that of things kids like such as bread, peanut butter and jelly,” said Allen, noting that patrons should designate food or money for child feedings.
To sponsor a box or fill out a pledge form, stop by the center located on South South Street across from Mount Airy OB/GYN Center or call 755-3894.
Contact Morgan Wall at mwall@mtairynews.com or 719-1929.
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