Iron Range Youth Stage A Cardboard City To Raise Money And Awareness For Homeless

Thirty six students from four different schools on the Iron Range spent the overnight of November 21-22 outside in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the homeless population.  The students from Mesabi East, Cherry, South Ridge, and Virginia had only a cardboard box to shelter them from the elements.

The students are members of Iron Range Youth In Action (IRYA).  Together, they raised $3,000 which will be divided up among four area charities:  the United Way's Buddy Backpack program, Project Elf at Mesabi East School, the Salvation Army, and Bill's House - a shelter in Virginia.

Patty Swedberg - the Saint Louis County Extension Division Director added her praise to the students:

I am so proud of the effort these students bring to help the less fortunate.  I think of the late Commissioner Steve O'Neil who was a tireless advocate for people seeking affordable housing, and all the work he did toward the cause of ending homelessness. It's wonderful to see these young people continuing that tradition."