Penn College News

In 'Box City," empathy picks up as mercury drops

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Penn College's Student Engagement Office partnered with the American Rescue Workers on Friday night for "Box City," held outside the Bush Campus Center to raise awareness of homelessness and hunger. "I organized this event in the hope of showing how members of the homeless community are affected as the winter months begin," said student leader Kellor A. Schooley, of Turbotville, enrolled in network administration and engineering technology. "Participants really enjoyed the event – but not the cold with it, dropping down to 26 degrees." Attendees heard from William Coleman, ARW's director of shelters; played bingo around the CC fire pit (learning more about the issues between rounds); and warmed themselves with soup. Some also constructed overnight quarters out of cardboard boxes to approximate the plight of the homeless.


– Photos by Kollin G. Kisner, student photographer (unless otherwise noted)




 

 Schooley serves soup, prepared by the local American Rescue Workers.

Schooley serves soup, prepared by the local American Rescue Workers.

Coleman, invited to share his perspective ...

Coleman, invited to share his perspective ...

... rivets his audience during a fireside chat.

... rivets his audience during a fireside chat.

Participants cozy up for bingo around the CC fire pit, with ARW Thrift Stores gift cards as prizes.

Participants cozy up for bingo around the CC fire pit, with ARW Thrift Stores gift cards as prizes.

A student assembles boxes into a makeshift shelter ...

A student assembles boxes into a makeshift shelter ...

... a rudimentary shield against the encroaching chill. (Photo provided by Schooley)

... a rudimentary shield against the encroaching chill. (Photo provided by Schooley)

A small-group gathering with a big-picture focus

A small-group gathering with a big-picture focus

Daubing the

Daubing the "free" space for another round of fun and games