One Night in a Box Challenge 2026: One Night. One Community. One Chance to Change a Life.

This year marks a very special milestone for Trulight Ministries as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of One Night in a Box.

For 10 years, this event has brought our community together to raise awareness, show compassion, and provide real support for people facing homelessness, mental health challenges, addiction, reentry after incarceration, veteran transition, and family crisis.

This year, we are inviting the community to join us for the One Night in a Box Challenge, a focused week of support with one big goal:

Our 2026 Goal: $50,000

Every dollar raised through One Night in a Box helps Trulight Ministries continue providing practical services and hope to people in need throughout the Zanesville and Muskingum County community.

At Trulight Ministries, we see firsthand how difficult life can become when someone has nowhere to go, nothing to eat, or no one to turn to.

For one night, participants step into their shoes.

And together, we can help bring dignity, restoration, and a real chance for a better life.

What Is One Night in a Box?

One Night in a Box is more than a fundraiser.

It is an opportunity for individuals, families, churches, businesses, and community groups to experience one night outside their normal comfort zone while raising funds to help people facing homelessness and other serious life challenges.

Participants can gather friends, choose a location, sleep in a box for one night, and ask others to sponsor their commitment.

Even if you cannot spend the night in a box, there are still many ways you can make a difference.

Three Ways to Join the Challenge

Register to Spend One Night in a Box

Gather your friends, family, church group, coworkers, or organization. Choose your location and invite sponsors to support your commitment.

Donate

Not everyone can spend the night outside, but everyone can be part of the mission. Every donation helps Trulight Ministries continue serving people in need.

Become a Fundraiser

Create your own fundraising page and invite friends, family members, coworkers, churches, and neighbors to support your goal.

Every person who participates becomes part of something much bigger.

Where Your Support Goes

Funds raised through One Night in a Box help Trulight Ministries provide essential services to people experiencing homelessness and hardship.

Those services include:

• Hot meals and breakfasts
• Showers
• Laundry services
• Day Center and Empowerment Center support
• Emergency assistance
• Outreach
• Encouragement and spiritual support
• Help connecting individuals with resources
• Hope and restoration

These services may seem simple, but to someone who is struggling, a hot meal, a shower, clean clothing, or a safe place to sit can be the first step toward rebuilding a life.

The Need Is Real

Over the course of our ministry, Trulight Ministries has served thousands of people through our programs.

Our recent service numbers include:

13,648 breakfasts served

1,619 showers provided

516 loads of laundry completed

7,421 Day Center visits

Behind every number is a person.

A mother.

A father.

A veteran.

A young adult.

A neighbor.

Someone who needs to know they have not been forgotten.

Become a 2026 Sponsor

Businesses, churches, organizations, and individuals can also support One Night in a Box through one of our sponsorship levels:

$100 – Good Neighbor Sponsor
Helping someone take their first step toward hope.

$250 – Friend of Trulight Sponsor
Providing encouragement and practical support.

$500 – Hope Sponsor
Restoring dignity through compassionate care.

$1,000 – Beacon Sponsor
Lighting the way toward lasting change.

$1,500 – Flame Sponsor
Keeping hope burning brightly for those who need it most.

$2,500 – Legacy Sponsor
Creating opportunities that impact lives for years to come.

$3,500 – Cornerstone Sponsor
Helping build a stronger foundation for individuals and families.

$5,000 – Lighthouse Sponsor
Standing as a guiding light of hope for our community.

Every sponsorship level helps us continue the work God has called us to do.

Important 2026 Dates

Our One Night in a Box Challenge Kick-Off will take place on:

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Our special 10th Anniversary Celebration at Trulight Ministries will be held on:

Friday, September 25, 2026

We hope our entire community will help us make this anniversary year one to remember.

Why One Night Matters

One night cannot fully show us what it feels like to live without stable housing.

But one night can change the way we see homelessness.

One night can start a conversation.

One night can bring a community together.

One night can raise the money that provides hundreds of meals, showers, loads of laundry, and hours of support.

And one night can remind someone struggling that they are seen, valued, and loved.

At Trulight Ministries, we believe everyone deserves a place to rest, a helping hand, and the opportunity to begin again.

Join the Challenge

Whether you spend the night in a box, become a fundraiser, sponsor the event, make a donation, or simply share our mission with others, you can be part of changing a life.

Our goal is $50,000, and we cannot reach it without our community.

Please consider joining us for the 10th Anniversary One Night in a Box Challenge.

One Night. One Community. One Chance to Change a Life.

Together, we can bring hope.

Together, we can restore dignity.

Together, we can change lives.

Trulight Ministries

807 Putnam Avenue
Zanesville, Ohio 43701

One Night in a Box Contact: Christina Swartz
Text or Call: 740-607-7378
Website: trulightministries.org