The Omnibus

Issue date: 11/4/04 Section: News

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For one night, Southwest Baptist University students had the opportunity to put themselves in another persons shoes.

Freshman Sam Lancaster, freshman Isaac Swick, junior Ryan Brown and senior Andrew Gibler show off their carved pumpkins.

On Thursday, Oct. 28, the Burnidge Memorial Forum was transformed into a large campground for students as part of the SBU Student Government Association sponsored Homeless Awareness Night.

Sponsored by SBU's freshman class, Jessica Gibler, class president, said the event was fun and worthwhile.

"It was a lot of fun," Gibler said. "We were able to raise awareness and donations for those in need and still have fun doing it."

The homeless awareness activity was open to all students. A number of students braved the cold night and came out for fellowship, hot chocolate and smores.

"Overall, around 50 people came by at some point of the night." Gibler said. "Between 10 and 15 people actually stayed through the night."

Freshman Eric Miller was glad he went. "I liked it," he said. "It got cold though. I wish there had been more participation and students there."

The variety of items collected will be donated to The Kitchen, a homeless shelter and hotel in Springfield.

"The items collected consisted of several different things." Gibler said. "We collected boots, blankets and sweaters. There were also pillows jackets, clothes and canned food brought too."

In addition to helping a good cause, students played football, carved pumpkins and jumped into large piles of leaves. "There was even one student who made a kilt out of newspapers" Gibler said.

A large number of freshman attended and participated in the activity. SBU's other classes were also represented. According to Gibler, "most of the people who stuck it out all night were freshmen, but each class was represented."

Miller summed up his experience when he said, "I would definitely do it or go to it again."

The event ended Friday morning at 6 a.m. Gibler said the activity was a big success.

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