Ed. Note: The following article is a news release provided by Family Promise of the Santa Clarita Valley.

The Santa Clarita community is invited to register for an annual event that allows Family Promise of the Santa Clarita Valley to provide support for local homeless families.

Box City, to be held Sept. 26 at Valencia Heritage Park, raises awareness about and compassion for homelessness in the Santa Clarita Valley as participants spend one night in a cardboard box.

Participants are asked to set a goal to raise $100 in pledges and contributions.

They then set up their cardboard box “home” in the park for the night. The event features bands, activities and a raffle, as well as a brown-bag dinner and breakfast.

Every participant who raises at least $100 is entered into a drawing for an iPad.

“It is really amazing to see the power of youth groups, churches, service organizations, neighbors, sports teams and other community groups as they come together for a common cause,” said Laurie Ender, president of the Family Promise Board of Directors. “We have seen the event grow significantly over the past five years and are excited about our new location and our biggest turnout ever.”

In addition to funds raised by participants, Family Promise is seeking corporate sponsors for this worthwhile program. Once again this year’s title sponsor is LTC Performance Strategies.

Sponsorships begin at $350 for the Bronze Star Sponsorship up through the $1,500 Platinum Sponsorship level. Princess Cruises and Brookfield Homes/Five Knolls are the first two Box City Platinum Sponsors for 2015.

“We invite local business owners, large and small, to show their community support with a Box City sponsorship,” Ender said. “This event relies on the generous donations of time, talent, dollars and in-kind goods, and ultimately benefit local families facing challenging situations.”

Family Promise of Santa Clarita Valley also is looking for teen volunteers who are interested in helping make Box City a success.

On the day of the event, teen volunteers help participants unload, set up and decorate their box “houses.”

“It’s a fun way to earn service hours,” said Amanda Dal Soglio, teen volunteer co-coordinator.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer, click here.

Since 2011 Family Promise of the Santa Clarita Valley has been offering shelter, meals and support services to families without homes. Its cost-efficient and effective community response to family homelessness is made possible through the generosity of local congregations, volunteers and donors.

More information is available at Family Promise of the Santa Clarita Valley’s website.