College Student From Windsor Sleeps in a Cardboard Box

WILLIMANTIC, CT — Twenty members of the Eastern Connecticut State University chapter of Habitat for Humanity, including one from Windsor, slept outdoors in cardboard boxes on Nov. 2-3 for the annual "Shackathon."

The event aims to raise awareness of homelessness, as well as raise funds for the club's annual spring break trip. This coming spring, the students will travel to North Carolina to build houses for those in need with other Habitat for Humanity chapters.

Ayanna McDougald of Windsor, who majors in Health Sciences, was among the participants.

"We were very lucky to have such a nice night out," said club president Kaitlin Wilson, acknowledging that with temperatures in the 50s, it was unseasonably warm. Previous Shackathon events weren't so lucky; last year temperatures dipped into the 20s.

In a 24-hour span in their cardboard village situated in front of Webb Hall, the club raised nearly $200 from those passing by. This and other fundraising efforts will support the club's trip to North Carolina.

Photo courtesy of Eastern Connecticut State University