Local nonprofit asks for more volunteers and bedding donations ahead of bed build for kids
CBS 58 KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) - For some children in Racine and Kenosha counties, having a bed to call their own is something they have never experienced.
The nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace is preparing for its Big Faith Build on Saturday, Aug. 8, but organizers say they still need more volunteers and donations to reach their goal of building 324 beds for children in need.
“A lot of the kids, this is not only their first bed, sometimes it’s their first pillow,” Brian Nelson, co-president of the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Racine/Kenosha chapter, said.
Nelson said the beds provide more than just a place to sleep.
“It’s a warm, comfortable place to sleep at night and many kids have never had that before. But it's also that place where they can feel that it’s their own space,” Nelson said.
The organization is bringing together about 300 volunteers for the community build, but organizers say they could still use more help.
“The numbers show we have about 5,000-6,000 kids in the area who don’t have beds,” Michael Prudhom, president of the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Racine/Kenosha chapter, said.
The local chapter has built and delivered more than 3,000 beds.
Organizers say no experience is needed to volunteer.
“We could use probably another 100 people,” Prudhom said.
Nelson said volunteers do not need construction experience.
“We have jobs for everyone, of any skill set. You don't have to have any experience to build with us. We teach you what you need to know,” Nelson said.
The group is also asking for donations of bedding to complete the bed sets.
“We’re short on boys' quilts, for younger and teenage boys. Any kind of bedding, pillows, sheets, comforters,” Prudhom said.
Organizers say the goal goes beyond building beds. They say the effort gives families support and children a space of their own.
“The emotions a parent might have in that situation, not being able to provide for their kid in that instance and yet seeing the community come forward and support them in that way, giving their kid dignity and joy,” Brit Windel, pastor at DayBreak Church, said.
