Fostoria students taking part in Box City fundraiser

FOSTORIA — Around 20 students at Fostoria City Schools are collecting donations for Fostoria Pantry Plus through a fundraiser that enables them to experience what life is like without luxuries. The 14th annual Box City event, hosted by the HI-Y club at Fostoria Schools, will take place tonight from 6 p.m.-2 a.m. at the school. "The students have agreed to raise either $25, 25 non-perishable items or a combination of money and non-perishable items in order to participate in the activity," said Tonya Theis, the HI-Y advisor. "The goal is for them to learn empathy for those who are homeless and understand some of the struggles that people who are less fortunate go through." The students participating in the fundraiser will be required to bring a box to sleep in, such as a refrigerator box, a blanket, jacket, pillow and toothbrush. After students set up in the south entrance of the high school, they will camp outside with a select amount of food and restroom breaks, said Theis. "They get food every two hours and the hour between is when they have a bathroom break," explained Theis, noting that students will also have the opportunity to participate in a box decorating contest and talent show for entertainment. "The proceeds go to the Fostoria Pantry Plus in town to help those in need in our community," said Theis. "During the night we are also available for community members to drop off food and dollar donations that are in turn handed over to Pantry Plus." Pantry Plus will arrive at the school around 9 p.m. to collect canned-good donations. The Box City is conducted through HI-Y, a community service program that is based on leadership through the Youth Leadership Association.