Students at Bishop Seabury Academy voluntarily will spend a day without food, then sleep outside on blankets and rely on firewood to keep warm — all to help understand and assist people who regularly live under such conditions.

The high schoolers this week are collecting food, toiletries and other essentials for five community organizations whose efforts assist homeless people in the area. People may drop off healthy snacks, blankets, toothbrushes and other items from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the school, 4120 Clinton Parkway.

About 50 students will eat lunch at 11 a.m. Sunday at school, then visit agencies before returning to campus for an overnight stay outdoors. Juniors and seniors also will serve dinner at the Lawrence Community Shelter.

“It gives them a sense of who they’re trying to help, and puts them in their shoes a little bit,” said Bill Gollier, the school’s community service coordinator.