What is Box City? It is a fun and meaningful annual event in which people camp for the night in a temporary dwelling to increase awareness of homelessness and raise money to support Family Promise of Santa Clarita Valley.
Who can participate? Anyone interested - youth groups, school or community clubs, sports teams, civic organizations and families. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone.
How do I sign up? Register to become a resident of Box City by clicking on the “CLICK HERE” link on the Box City website then collect a goal amount of $100 in “rent” pledges (payable online via credit card or by checks made payable to Family Promise-SCV) – see website for details. We ask that every participant, including chaperones, try to raise the $100 minimum. In the past, our participants have achieved great success by inviting friends and neighbors to participate with a small donation. It’s amazing how fast those small donations add up to make a BIG difference for homeless kids and families!
What is the deadline? Deadline for registration and pledges is September 21, 2011. Late pledges will be accepted the night of the event.
How do I raise the minimum goal of $100? The easiest fundraising method is collecting donations by writing a quick email to friends and neighbors and asking for a small online donation. (Sample email is available on our website) But our past participants have also achieved great success by organizing a fundraising event such as a car wash or bake sale.
What can I bring to the event? Being mindful of the provisions available to the homeless, limit yourself to your decorated box or dwelling, a sleeping bag or pad, tarp, pillow, warm clothes and a refillable water bottle. You may bring a cell phone, medications and essential toiletries, but please do not bring: alcoholic beverages, drugs, weapons of any kind, beverages in glass bottles or other electronic items. Chaperones will have cell phones in case of emergency. If you have a special need, please contact us.
What about food? A modest homeless shelter-style meal and light breakfast will be provided. Your $100 donation/pledge covers the cost of the meals. Please feel free to bring snacks to share.
What about safety? We require all groups to have one adult chaperone (21 years or older) for every seven (7) participants (renters!). There will be designated sleeping areas for boys, girls, and families. The Box City area will be closed off and we will have volunteers on staff keeping watch throughout the night.
What if it rains? Just as the homeless do, we will cope with the weather we are given. Unless there is a safety risk to residents, the event will continue rain or shine.
Must I sleep in a box? While sleeping in a cardboard box can provide a valuable lesson in empathy, we understand that for health or personal reasons you may not be able to. You may still participate as a “virtual resident” (raise funds, but sleep at home). Virtual residents are welcome to attend evening activities. Visitors are also welcome and encouraged to check out Box City and enjoy the programming. Visitors will be asked to leave at lights out.
Will there be activities? The evening will include entertainment, including a cardboard box decorating contest, games, bands and special music, and other activities. Periods of unstructured time will be available for groups to lead their own activities, if desired.
REGISTRATION/SET UP: 4:00 pm, Saturday, October 1st. EVENT ENDS: 7:00 am, Sunday, October 2nd.
QUESTIONS? Email: boxcitySCV@yahoo.com
Phone: (661) 993-4906
Mail pledges/rent payments made payable to:
Family Promise of Santa Clarita Valley
(or pay online with a Credit Card via our website)
18565 Soledad Canyon Road #133
Canyon Country, CA. 91351
Family Promise of Santa Clarita Valley was formed in April 2009. We are one of over 165 networks across the country affiliated with Family Promise, a national nonprofit organization committed to helping low-income families achieve lasting independence. Contributions are tax deductible, and our tax ID # is 27-0443114
