Most teenagers don't choose to be homeless, but Josh Bartlow isn't like most teenagers. To the high school freshman from Illinois, a cardboard box over his head will do just fine.
Josh has been living in a cardboard box since Tuesday -- relying on the generosity of others to feed himself in the process -- to build awareness about hunger in impoverished communities, KFVS reports.
"It is my hope that I will be a reminder to those around me how unfortunate some individuals or families must live," Josh, who is a Boy Scout working on Eagle Scout status, told The Southern. "I will have very limited items for my use and will spend all of my time as if I had no home or food, except for what is given to me, as I continue to go to school and function in my normal life."
He will be staying in the box until Saturday.
But living in a cardboard box is just one part of his "Homeless and Hungry" community service project to reach Eagle Scout ranking. On Saturday, Josh will be dropping off empty bags on porches throughout his hometown of Hurst, Ill., so that the community can help his cause. Neighbors are being asked to donate personal care and non-perishable food items, which will be given to a local food pantry, an event description on WSIL.com explains.
Josh has chosen to highlight a worthy cause that affects millions of families across the country. In January of 2012, more than 633,000 people -- about the population of Seattle -- were deemed homeless in the U.S.
Discover how you can get involved in the fight against hunger by visiting Feeding America's website.
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