“No Kid Sleeps on the Floor” in Our Town Sleep in Heavenly Peace By Cassie Johnson
F
ew things beat crawling into a cozy bed. Its comfort at the end of a busy day, a refuge when we’re not feeling well or sick, and a place to rest peacefully and sleep. It might shock you to know that right here in the USA, as many as a million children don’t have a bed of their own. Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is a national organization founded to address this serious issue. If you haven’t heard about this organization before, you’re not alone. I found two local SHP chapters – one serving the KenLake area and a new chapter in Paducah. The KenLake Region Chapter serves children ages 3-17 in Calloway, Graves, and Marshall County. Founded just over three years ago the current Chapter President is Julie Morris. Sleep in Heavenly Peace quite simply makes hand-built beds. Local organizations and families place requests for help and when enough funds are raised a Bed Build takes place. Bedding drives are held to collect new bedspreads, bed-in-a-bag sets, and quilts. Each child receives a brand new bed, furnished with a mattress, sheets, comforter, and pillow. Beds are distributed locally within the zip code region of each local chapter.
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FEBRUARY - MARCH 2022
Returning the Favor
Julie was inspired by the TV program Returning The Favor, a show featuring individuals doing good deeds in their hometowns. One episode featured SHP and she knew she had to help children in Western Kentucky. “I melted and cried as I watched the segment, “Julie told me. “I called my brother and asked him can we do this? The SHP motto is No kid sleeps on the floor in our town. To date, our chapter has delivered 579 beds and counting. We could not be more thrilled with our growth.”
The New Paducah Chapter is Led by Rachel Morris.
“I have always had the desire to help others,” said Rachel. “When I learned about SHP, I knew I had to help. My Dad and I, (he is the build manager for our Paducah Chapter), flew to San Antonio for training. We’re still figuring it out as we go, but we have one goal: Give kids a bed who don’t have one,” Rachel told me.
Purchase Area Family Magazine
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