The 37th Annual Jerry Starr Ken-Ton Schools' Sleepout will take place Friday, February 2nd from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. This year, we are moving the event to Kenmore West High School, where the SleepOut originated more than three decades ago. Those who choose to “sleep out” will spend the night outside in refrigerator boxes to raise awareness about the struggles faced by the homeless and the importance of helping those in need in our community. All donations will stay in Ken-Ton and go to two Ken-Ton organizations that serve the needs of children and families:

• Family Support Center: Provides individual and family counseling and connections to local mental health service providers for hundreds of families annually at the former Longfellow Building on Myron Avenue behind Kenmore Middle School
• Ken-Ton Closet: Provides new and gently used clothing and other everyday necessities for hundreds of families annually at its site in the former Jefferson Elementary building

The SleepOut is organized by Educators Totally Committed (E.T.C.), a group of retired Ken-Ton School District teachers dedicated to inspiring students to help those in need. It is named in honor of one of its founders, the late Jerry Starr, who was always known for putting others before himself. Since the first SleepOut in 1988, the SleepOut has resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars raised along with countless donations for people in need in our community.

Here is how you can support the SleepOut:

• Donate directly online via GoFundMe
• Cash/checks made payable to “Ken-Ton Schools – E.T.C." sent to Ken-Ton Schools’ SleepOut, c/o Kenmore West High School, 33 Highland Pkwy., Buffalo, NY 14223
• Donations dropped off in person the day of the SleepOut (monetary donations, food, personal care items, new/gently used clothing and small furniture items will be accepted)
• Organize a donation or collection drive

If you have any questions, please contact event organizer Steve Ash at 716-694-4492 or allhelpall@yahoo.com