Last modified: Tuesday, December 12, 2006 12:19 AM EST Attleboro High School seniors Amanda Shepperson, left, and Amanda Achin, sort through some of the hundreds of bags of clothes donated Monday night to be given to area homeless. (Staff photo by Martin Gavin) Playing the role to help BY RICK FOSTER SUN CHRONICLE STAFF ATTLEBORO - Attleboro High School students may have only simulated being homeless for a night, but their efforts in collecting used clothing and non-perishable foods should make a real contribution to the welfare of area's homeless and needy. About 60 student volunteers stood outside the high school entrance for six hours Monday night to raise public awareness about homelessness and to solicit public donations. Community members rolled up to the school entrance throughout the afternoon and evening with hundreds of bags of clothing and food. "We're very pleased," said student body president Arolin Hughes. "The community really got behind this." Hughes said area residents donated 200 jackets alone along with other articles of clothing, many of them brand new. Other donations included baby clothes, toiletries, sweaters, gloves, toys and even a mini bike. The donations will be picked up and distributed to local food pantries and other charities by the City Employees Holiday Spirit Committee. Students got the idea for their event, entitled "Homeless for A Night" after reading about another school that linked raising consciousness about homelessness with a collection of charitable donations. Both Attleboro High students and their crosstown rivals, Bishop Feehan High School, are hoping to make a major contribution to those in need this holiday season. Feehan students are funding a community Christmas dinner for the needy and have also been active in a variety of other Christmastime activities.