How do I sign up?

You can either:
1) Mail your donations and complete pledge form to Rotary Club of Simi Valley, or;
2) Bring applications to the event or obtain them onsite. You may participate as an individual, a family, or a group (limited to 10 participants).

• How do I sign up?
  You can either:
  1. Mail your donation and complete pledge form to Rotary Club of Simi Valley or;
  2. Bring applications to the event or obtain them onsite. You may participate as an individual, a family, or a group (limited to 10 participants).
  Note: Please do not mail pledges at this time if you plan to participate. Please bring pledges to the event.

• Do I have to bring my own box?
  You can bring your own box or obtain one at the event. Prizes will be awarded for most in pledges, best decorated and best design for habitation.

• What can I bring to the event?
  Remain mindful of the decisions a homeless person has to make, and please limit yourself to the following items: Sleeping bag or pad, tarp, pillow, warm clothes. You may bring medications and essential toiletries, but please refrain from bringing outside food, entertainment items, or other non-essential objects. The following items are not allowed: Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, beverages in glass bottles, weapons of any kind, personal electronic devices such as MP3 players or video games. Cell phones are permitted.

• Is it safe for me to send my children?
  We require a minimum of one adult chaperone for every five participants under the age of 18. Adult chaperones in charge of young people that are not their guardians may be required to submit for fingerprinting through local police offices prior to the event. The church grounds will be closed off and we will have volunteers on staff at the entrances throughout the night.

• If I am chaperoning a youth group, do I still need to raise pledges for admission?
  yes.

• Is this a youth event only?
  Absolutely not! We invite people of all ages to participate in Box City.

• What if it rains?
  Just as the homeless do, we will cope with the weather we are given. Unless there is a safety risk to participants, the event will continue, rain or shine.

• Do I have to sleep on the grounds?
  While sleeping in a cardboard box can provide a valuable lesson in empathy, we understand that for health or personal reasons, you may not be able to. You may still participate as a “Virtual Resident” (raise funds but stay at home). Virtual Residents are warmly welcomed to the evening entertainment and meal.

• How are we going to spend our time while we are there?
  The evening entertainment will include live music, a video presentation on homelessness, speakers on the topic of homelessness, and a light meal. There will also be periods of unstructured time for groups to lead their own activities if desired.

• How can I raise $100?
  You have three options:
  1) donate the money directly;
  2) collect pledges (download Pledge form here) or;
  3) organize a fundraiser event. If you plan to attend with a group, you may pool your energy and creativity and put on an event such as a car wash, bake sale, or anything your imagination and resources allow.