Sleep in Heavenly Peace: Building a Brighter Future, One Bed at a Time

In a world where a good night’s sleep is often taken for granted, Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is on a mission to ensure that no child sleeps on the floor. This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is dedicated to ending child bedlessness across America, one handcrafted bed at a time. With their powerful motto, “No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town,” SHP is rallying communities nationwide to tackle this pressing issue head-on.

The Heart of SHP: A National Mission

Founded on the belief that every child deserves a safe and comfortable place to sleep, SHP’s mission extends far beyond simply providing beds. It encompasses community unity, volunteerism, and the joy of transforming lives. SHP chapters across the country mobilize volunteers to cut, sand, stain, and assemble beds, which are then delivered to children in need. Each bed comes complete with a new mattress, bedding, and a pillow, ensuring a good night’s sleep for every recipient.

Upcoming Events: Mahomet and Champaign

As part of its ongoing efforts, SHP is hosting two significant events this year, aimed at building and delivering beds to local children in need. These events are set to unite volunteers, local businesses, and sponsors in a shared mission of compassion and community service.

August 17: Building Hope in Mahomet

On Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the Mahomet chapter of SHP will hold a bed-building event at Grace Church of Mahomet, located at 800 W Oak St. This event aims to build 30 beds for children in the Mahomet, Champaign, Urbana, Seymour, and Savoy communities.

Led by Larry Uphoff, the Mahomet chapter has already delivered 38 beds to date. However, with 131 requests for a total of 292 beds, the need for community support remains critical. Each bed costs approximately $250, including the mattress and bedding, and SHP relies entirely on donations to fund these builds.

During the August 17 event, volunteers will gather to cut, sand, stain, and assemble the beds, which will later be delivered to the homes of children in need. Additionally, a monetary and bedding drive will take place to support SHP’s mission further. Community members are encouraged to participate, donate, and spread the word about this impactful cause.

September 14: Bunks Across America in Champaign

Following the Mahomet event, SHP will host its annual National Build Day, Bunks Across America, on Saturday, September 14, 2024. From 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the Lowes Parking Lot at 1904 N Prospect Ave in Champaign will transform into a bustling workshop of volunteer activity.

Bunks Across America is SHP’s largest nationwide bed-building event, where local chapters join forces to build as many beds as possible in a single day. In 2020, 118 SHP chapters with over 6,200 volunteers built 4,637 beds. This year, SHP aims to exceed that milestone by building over 8,000 beds with the help of up to 15,000 volunteers.

The event in Champaign will be a key part of this nationwide effort, bringing together volunteers from all walks of life to make a tangible difference in the lives of children. No prior woodworking experience is necessary, as SHP provides all tools, materials, and guidance needed.

Supporting the Mission: How You Can Help

The success of SHP’s mission relies on the generosity and support of community members. Here are several ways you can get involved:

• Become a Bunkhead: A $20 monthly donation for a year covers the cost of a bed for one child.
• One-time Donations: Contributions can be made directly through the SHP website.
• Bedding Donations: SHP has registries on Amazon and Walmart for bedding donations.

A Community Effort

The work of SHP goes beyond providing a bed; it’s about fostering a spirit of community and shared purpose. Volunteers experience the profound joy of seeing a child’s face light up when they receive their very own bed. This sense of accomplishment and the collective effort of volunteers, sponsors, and community members are what make SHP’s mission truly special.

Join the Movement

Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word, your support is invaluable. Join SHP in Mahomet on August 17 and in Champaign on September 14 to be part of a national movement that ensures no child sleeps on the floor. Together, we can build a brighter future, one bed at a time.

For more information on how to get involved with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, visit their website or contact Vicki Angstmann at Vicki.angstmann@shpbeds.org.