Union UCC's youth group have been taking part in a Sleepout for Homelessness almost every year for about 14years.

The goal of the event is to experience for one night what it might be like to be homeless.

The youth spent a night sleeping in cardboard boxes in the church's parking lot.

During the night, they participated in activities helping them learn about what others go through, if they are homeless, abused or living in poverty.

The event also raises awareness and money for a local agency that helps others.

Previously, this event was only for the youth and chaperones of Union UCC, Neffs.

Usually about 30 people slept outside for the night and raised about $1,500 for the selected agency.

This year, the church co-hosted the event with the Penn Northeast Conference and opened it up to other United Church of Christ congregations in northeastern Pennsylvania. Eight additional churches participated with Union UCC, Neffs; including Jordan UCC, South Whitehall; Heidelberg UCC, Heidelberg Township; Hope UCC, Allentown; Grace UCC, Northampton; Dille Parish, LeRaysville; St. John's UCC, Nazareth; St. John's UCC, Fullerton; and New Creation UCC, Easton.

Union UCC hit its own personal record with 42 youth attending from their church.

The total of youth from all nine churches was 82 with 25 adult chaperones.

Together they listened to Roger Ochse's message about the work of Valley Youth House, this year's recipient of the money raised.

Valley Youth house has been helping youth and their families for 40 years.

They serve nine different counties and help an average of 14,000 people each year.

They provide shelter, counseling, prevention, life skills and therapeutic services with the motto: because every child deserves a chance.

Prior to the event, youth are asked to raise money from sponsors. They raised $2,700.

On Sunday morning, church members were asked at Union UCC and other participating churches to give additional donations as they entered worship. Another $1,000 was raised at this time.

Although money is still coming in, at this point this year's Sleepout for Homelessness expects to give at least $3,700 to Valley Youth House.

Costs for the event were covered by donations.

Everyone who was a part of this effort is glad for the chance to be God's hands and heart in the community.

"We do this as a way to thank God for our many blessings and to make God's love real in the world" Snyder-Samuelson said.