Dominican College Rotaract Club Holds Box City

The Dominican College Rotaract Club sponsored a Box City on campus Thursday to help raise awareness of the challenges faced by homeless people.

Participants stayed outside with nothing to sit on or use for shelter but boxes. They were told to leave cell phones and other electronic devices at home.

"The box city this year had a great turnout," said junior Dominique Labate. "It was cold enough to get a real experience, but still nice enough to enjoy ourselves. The keynote speaker, Ron Figeroa, did a great job making all that participated understand the experience. I think the main goal of raising awareness of how being homeless can effect everyone was accomplished.

Rotaract club members also used the event to do a mock Midnight Run. The club recently took a real Midnight Run into the city to bring food and clothing to those in need and will do another Nov. 29.

"Box City was very successful," said senior Ryann Larke, the Rotaract Club secretary. "Rotaract Club members made sandwiches and did a mock Midnight Run where we gave bagged lunches to some of the people participating. Box City was a big eye opener to homelessness and how many people can be affected."