The Salem Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Sleep has built 40 more beds for children who otherwise would not have a bed to sleep in.
The President of the Salem Chapter Kevin Rakers says they have now made more than 750 beds, with 663 delivered to kids in need throughout Marion, Clinton, and Jefferson Counties.
The set-up on the parking lot of the former Save-a-Lot building on West Main Street was set up with different stations to put together the bed frames.
“It’s great we had 50 volunteers today so basically that’s a little more than 1 per bed. So once you get going it’s pretty streamlined and it works.”
Rakers is appreciative of all the volunteer help that included a church youth group from Taylorville and the Tri Chi student group at Centralia High School.
The build was sponsored by the YMCA. Director Jed Casburn says the bed build is one of their annual projects.
“This year was about $15,000 and one of our cases for support is Sleep in Heavenly Peace and this day is just fantastic for us because we love to support them in reaching their goals and helping families in the community.”
Even with all the beds distributed, the need is still great.
More than 50 volunteers gathered to work at various workstations putting bed frames together in the Salem Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed build on Saturday.
Five members of the Tri Chi at Centralia High School were among the volunteers. Left to right: Karisa Nuedecker, Eliza Glasscock, Rylie Timmons, Kylie Nalewajka, and Kennedy Connaway.
Taylorville Christian Church volunteers (left to right) Janet Zerfowski, Bentley Waters, Katrina Metcalf, Cathlene Wesley, Noah Baker, Lauren Metcalf, and Mike Bell.
Four volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Centralia provided their help to the bed build. Left to right: Keaton Talbert, Carter Pottle, Reed Johnson, and Tyler Baker.
