MADAWASKA, Maine — Recently, members of the youth ministry group at Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Parish in Madawaska held their annual box-a-thon to help bring home the plight of the homeless.
The teens spent a weekend living and sleeping outside in boxes, just as some who are homeless are forced to do. The youth had to rely on the parish community to supply them with food, drinks, and wood for their fire.
“It was a very humbling and eye-opening experience for the youth,” said Donna Deschaine, youth ministry coordinator.
While temperatures in southern and central Maine have warmed recently, snow is still on the ground in northern Maine, and the youth had to shovel to clear spots to set up their boxes outside Saint David Church on Route 1 in Madawaska. To raise awareness about homelessness, the students held up handmade signs as motorists passed by.
The teens also collected donations at all weekend Masses, portions of which will be donated to the Sister Mary O’Donnell Shelter for the Homeless in Presque Isle, with the remainder going to help the teens attend the annual youth convention.
