Ogden Girl Scouts spotlight homelessness, gather donations

While the most familiar Girl Scout boxes come filled with irresistible cookies, an Ogden event Friday night carries a different twist.

As the sun fades from the sky and the temperatures drop to near-frost levels, Girl Scouts from several Ogden troops will prepare to hunker down for the night in cardboard boxes set up in the First Ascension Lutheran church parking lot at 1105 N. Washington Blvd.

The 2nd annual "Night in a Box" event aims to raise awareness about the homeless population and their struggles as the Wasatch winter moves in.

"They see it as a two for one," Girl Scouts of Utah Communications Manager Annie Cutler said of the girls who signed on for the slumber party. "They want to put themselves in a situation so they can understand homelessness — and they can also accept donations."

As the temporary cardboard camp takes shape Friday near the busy boulevard, the Girl Scouts will accept donations of warm coats, jackets, hats, gloves, blankets, sleeping bags, canned food and hygiene products.

Items can be dropped off at 1105 N. Washington Blvd. in Ogden between 6:30 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Once gathered, the goods will be given to St. Anne's homeless shelter in Ogden.

In addition to a memorable night of service, participating Girl Scouts will also earn a merit badge bearing the "Night in a Box" logo, Cutler said.

cmckitrick@sltrib.com

Twitter: @catmck —