FAQs

What is the best way to get information on Reggie's Sleepout?
Here at this website.  You can get all the details for the event 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 to sponsor you through the friends asking friends.

Is a Minor Consent Form Needed to attend
It is 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.  Scroll down the page and click on the minor consent form.  To get back to the Reggie's Sleepout website click on the back brower button on the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers Special Events page.

Will Food be Available at Reggie's Sleepout?
Yes. There willl be an evening meal provided along with water, hot chocolate, and coffee. We do not allow gum, food, drinks, and 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.

What Can I Sleep In?
You can 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 if you're feeling lucky./span>

I don't have a cardboard box big enough to sleep in- where can I get one?
There are many businesses in town where you might find a box like this.  Appliance stores, grocery stores, large electronic stores, furniture stores.  We've contacted the major ones, and they should be willing to help out.

It's November in 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 if it rains?
The event will go on, rain or shine.  There will be some covered shelter onsite in case of rain.

What about safety?
Safety is a major priority for Reggie's Sleepout, and there will be onsite security, field marshalls and first aid table staffed by trained volunteers the entire time.

Are children welcome at Reggie's Sleepout?
Absolutely, the more the merrier! We just ask that anyone under 16 be accompanied by an adult.

Can you leave the event and come back in?
Yes and no. In order to mantain security for the event, the doors will be closed at 10 p.m. Once you leave after 10 p.m. you will not be allowed back in.

How do I ask someone to sponsor me and who will do it?
Simply ask everyone you know "Will you sponsor me?" You'll be surprised at the number of people who will support you. Just 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, attention Trish Harlow Director, 1219 Buchanan, 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 p.m. to 8 p.m. Also, if you would like to donate money directly and aren't able to sleepout, you can make a general donation online at reggiessleepout.org