College Students to Sleep at Pittsfield Common02:01PM / Tuesday, May 05, 2009
PITTSFIELD, Mass. - College students from Berkshire Community College and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will camp out overnight at the Pittsfield Common on First Street. The 24-hour event will begin Saturday, May 16, at 4pm.
The purpose of the event is to educate the community about homelessness in the city, as well as to raise funds for a local family shelter, Our Friends House. JD Herbert, director of housing and shelters at Berkshire County’s Actions Council, will speak about his role in the community, and previous homeless people will share their success stories. Games and activities will be run throughout the event.
Volunteers must bring their sleeping gear, boxes or tents. Extra boxes will be provided, but supplies are limited. Campers must bring their own food. Grills will be available for those who wish to cookout. MRE (meals ready to eat) food served at the shelter will be available to volunteers who don’t bring food.
Participants must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an adult. No drugs, alcohol, physical fighting, pets, or vandalism will be allowed. Anyone breaking these rules will be asked to leave the park. Police officers will be on site at all times, as well as medical experts. Students are encouraged to leave valuables at home. |
