Frequently Asked Questions

HOW CAN I GET MORE INFO ON REGGIE’S SLEEPOUT?
Start here. You can get event details and even directly donate – or have your friends, family, and community members donate money on your behalf by registering yourself as an individual, team, or joining someone else’s team. It’s fast and easy to use – plus you can email your friends from your HQ!

DO I NEED TO RAISE MONEY?
We definitely encourage fundraising. The money donated at the event directly supports youth receiving services from Iowa Homeless Youth Centers. Every camper fundraising $25 or more will receive a FREE event T-shirt coupon to be used at the event. Here’s just a sampling of what your donations help our youth attain:

+ $25 will fund a safe night of shelter for four youth
+ $50 will provide a youth with necessary vital documents
+ $75 will supply a meal for up to 20 youth
+ $100 will allow one of our youth to earn a GED

WILL ANYONE SPONSOR ME?
Yes! Ask everyone you know, “Will you sponsor me?” You’ll be surprised at the number of people who’ll support you. Ask people at work, your friends and families, members of spiritual groups or other organizations, your neighbors, or anyone you know. You can even ask them to go to the website and donate online on your behalf. No amount is too small.

WHERE DO I SEND THE MONEY TO WHEN I COLLECT IT?
Send your donations – cash or check – to:
Iowa Homeless Youth Centers
Attn: Brad Whipple, Director
1219 Buchanan Street
Des Moines, IA 50316

Checks should be payable to Iowa Homeless Youth Centers. Donations can be brought in the night of the event at the time of registration between 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Also, if you would like to donate money directly and aren’t able to sleep out, you can make a general donation online at reggiessleepout.org

IS A MINOR CONSENT FORM NEEDED TO ATTEND?
Yes. It’s important that parents/guardians complete the minor consent form for those participants who are under 18 years of age. Parents and guardians should bring the minor consent form to the registration table at the event. The minor consent form can be downloaded by clicking here.

WHAT ABOUT KIDS AT REGGIE’S SLEEPOUT?
Absolutely, the more the merrier! We just ask that anyone under 18 be accompanied by an adult.
How do I sleep? Bring a cardboard box, enter in a boxed-in design contest, a pup tent (no stakes) or simply a sleeping bag to sleep out under the stars.

I NEED A CARDBOARD BOX BIG ENOUGH TO SLEEP IN – WHERE CAN I GET ONE?
There are many businesses in town where you can find larger boxes. Appliance stores, grocery stores, large electronic stores, furniture stores. We’ve contacted the major ones, and they’re always willing to help out.

HEY, THIS IS IOWA, SO HOW CAN I STAY WARM?
Most importantly, bring a tarp or a layer of cardboard to put under you box, tent or sleeping bag. Do not bring a cot to sleep on. It’s much colder than sleeping on the ground. Wear a hat — preferably wool — all night long, as well as clean, dry wool socks. There will also be a warming tent and access to the Drake Fieldhouse to warm up.

WHAT ABOUT RAIN?
The sleepout goes on, rain or shine. You’ll find some covered shelter onsite in case of rain. If it looks like rain, you might want to bring a poncho, coat or slicker.

AM I SAFE?
Of course, safety is a major priority. There will be onsite security, field marshals and a first aid table staffed by trained volunteers.

WILL FOOD BE AVAILABLE AT REGGIE’S SLEEPOUT?
Definitely. An evening meal will be provided along with water, milk, and hot chocolate. We don’t allow gum, food, drinks, or snacks. Please observe this rule. IHYC is responsible to keep the stadium clean. This is a tobacco and alcohol-free event so there will be no tobacco and alcohol allowed on the premises and violators will be escorted out.

CAN YOU LEAVE THE EVENT AND COME BACK IN?
Yes and no. In order to maintain security for the event, the doors will be closed at 10:00 p.m. If you leave after 10:00 p.m. you will not be allowed back in.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO AT THE SLEEPOUT?
We have a host of activities throughout the night of the sleepout.
1. Enter the Boxed Design Contest. Set up is from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Judging begins at 7:00 p.m. Awards are presented to winning boxes in the areas of Educational, Creativity and Livability.
2. Entertainment will be going on from 3:00-10:00 p.m., including local bands.
3. Attend the Educational Ceremony at 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. to hear from our participants. Learn more about Iowa Homeless Youth Centers and where your fundraising dollars are going.
4. Reggie’s Got Talent. Bring your singing voices, poetry, dance moves and more to our Talent Show. Takes place in the later hours of Reggie’s when others are getting ready to sleep (located inside).
5. Texas Hold’em. Play Texas Hold’em and get warm. This indoor event goes on during Reggie’s Got Talent. Prizes are awarded to top winners.
6. Late night movies. Cold? Come inside and watch movies 1:00 a.m.-on