Eastern Student Ellie Frankinburger of Lebanon Sleeps in a Box for Shackathon

2014 Dec 15

Despite freezing temperatures on Nov. 18, students at Eastern Connecticut State University spent the night sleeping in cardboard boxes for the annual "Shackathon" to raise awareness about homelessness. The 30-hour overnight event was organized by Eastern's chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

With the students bringing sleeping bags, blankets, cardboard boxes and plenty of duct tape to the Shackathon, the front of Eastern's Student Center was transformed into a shantytown. Ellie Frankinburger '18 of Lebanon, was among the participants that braved the cold. Frankinburger's major is psychology.

The Shackathon is also a fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the Windham chapter of Habitat for Humanity; over the years thousands of dollars have been raised by the event.

Club members were not required to participate in the event, but those who did are given preference for the club's coming alternative spring break trip to Tennessee, where they will build houses with other volunteers. For the 30-hour duration of the event, participants were allowed only to go inside to use the restroom or to attend class.