Community builds beds for those in need

Volunteers from many Idaho Falls community groups built the beds this morning for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization that builds beds for those who don’t have one.

“A bed a lot of times will resolve that, you know, being on probation, or being delinquent,” said Levi Shaffer, president of the Rexburg chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. “It’s a safe place for a kid to sleep at night. And they do better in school, better relationship with their family and their community.”

Everyone pitched in to build the beds from measuring, to cutting and sanding to actually building them. The Idaho Falls Civitan Club and Lowe’s partner with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to provide materials. One volunteer was building the beds for his high school senior project. He wants kids to be able to enjoy having their own bed.

“When I hear that there’s kids that don’t have that same opportunity it makes me feel pretty bad,” said Oakley Hussey, senior at Hillcrest High School. “I heard it and I was just like, you know what, I don’t have to coach a football team for a senior project, I don’t have to coach a basketball team for a senior project, I’m gonna build some beds and make some kids real happy.”

“It’s very heartwarming to see the community come out and help support the project for Sleep in Heavenly Peace,” said Willettia Amos with the Idaho Falls Civitan Club. “It’s very important.”

These beds will make a huge difference for 60 kids in the area.

“How would it change your life?” said Shaffer. “Sleep on the floor one night and then you would know if you had to do that year after year where you would be at in life.”

If you would like to make a request for a bed or find out how you can help or donate, you can do so at the Sleep in Heavenly Peace website here.