Hundreds constructed their own cardboard homes Saturday afternoon gearing up to spend the night in Valencia Heritage Park as a part of the annual Box City fundraising event.
Laurie Ender, board president of Family Promise of Santa Clarita Valley, said the event served two purposes: to raise awareness about local homeless families and to raise money for the non-profit organization.
“This is the sixth year that we’ve done this event, it’s really gathering steam,” she said.
Ender anticipates to raise about $75,000 from the event, which about 400 people participated in.
Last year’s Box City raised $50,000 dollars.
Many chose to decorate their boxes, including John Vedder and his son Jack Vedder, 12, who built a box resembling a space ship.
“It feels good to be supporting homeless families,” Jack said before he and his father planted an American flag next to their space ship.
Valencia resident Glori Stulman was getting ready for her first time spending the night at Box City.
“(It’s interesting) how everybody comes together as a community and is willing to sleep in a box overnight,” she said.
“I don’t know how much sleep I’m gonna get.”
The event also featured bands, activities, entertainment, and free food for participants.
Box city is Family Promise’s biggest fundraising event, Ender said.
Family Promise of Santa Clarita Valley brings shelter, meals, and support services to families without homes, helping them to get back on their feet according to the organization’s website.
