BAY MINETTE, Alabama — Despite freezing temperatures, Baldwin County High School students will brave the cold weather Friday night, Jan. 15 to shed light on the homeless community in the area.

The school’s National Honor Society will set up a “Cardboard City” on the school lawn and the members will spend the night outdoors in cardboard boxes.

The event is held during the winter so that the students are forced to deal with the harshness of the elements. Participants are encouraged to prepare for the event by bringing large cardboard boxes, makeshift tents, tarps, blankets or other items to stay warm.

Following last year’s event, NHS co-sponsor William Jones said this project helps provide a glimpse into the hardships the homeless face.

“It is difficult for our students to fully empathize with the plight of the homeless without seeing and feeling it for themselves. Our annual Homelessness Awareness event allows our students to experience firsthand the life of someone less fortunate than themselves,” Jones said.

NHS member London Naseman said it’s an effective way to draw attention to a problem that plagues every community and school, including Bay Minette and Baldwin County High. “Every member of National Honor Society will be giving their time to show how much they care,” she said. “Even in our area, homelessness is a huge problem and easily looked over.”

NHS sponsors said the annual Homelessness Awareness Lock-Out is always an eye-opening experience for the students. Naseman agreed and said it’s an important lesson for all ages.

“The fact of being homeless is almost unimaginable to many of us because of how blessed we are. With this event, I hope myself as well as other members of National Honor Society realize how important it is to work together as a community for the betterment of others.”

Each NHS member is collecting donations that will benefit homeless youth in the north Baldwin area. Donations can be taken to the school office or mailed to Baldwin County High School, Attn.: National Honor Society, 1 Tiger Drive, Bay Minette, AL 36507.