Have you ever thought about your bed? What it means to have one? Or like me, do you take for granted the soft mattress, warm covers and comfy pillow? And even more importantly being off the floor? Just think what it would be like to sleep on the floor night after night. That discomfort would permeate your life. So how would it feel to be a kid in that situation? Lacking not only the comfort but the safety of having their own bed.

That might never have crossed my mind, if it were not for my long-time high school friend, Julie. Last year she and her husband, Craig, learned about Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a nationwide non-profit organization that builds and delivers beds to local children who need them. It’s easy to think that it’s not a problem in our community. But the truth is that the estimated need in Duluth is 2,400 beds. They dove right in and started a new chapter in Duluth, the only one of 5 chapters in Minnesota north of the Twin Cities.

As a bit of background, SHP was started in 2012 when Luke Mickelson and his family built a bed for a family who needed it. That grew into a national movement to ensure that “No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town.” There are now over 450 local chapters that build and deliver beds for their own community. Their second mission is to build community by hosting volunteer opportunities to build the beds.

I began hearing about this from Julie, when we baked our annual candy cane cookies, when we got our East High gals together for breakfast, whenever I saw her, actually. I might never have joined the cause had it not been for technology. Befuddled by the computer systems they were required to use, Julie began coming to me with questions. Then she asked if I’d be their IT consultant. From there it wasn’t a big leap to join the Core Team. There I learned that the biggest reward was not solving their technical issues, but joining in the real cause. Building beds to get children off the floor.

Last week we did a “Build” with First Lutheran Church volunteers. It was my first introduction to the full experience, from set-up to clean-up. Our SHP chapter provides all the lumber, tools, supplies, work tables and other materials, which we laid out in workstations in their parking lot. When the 30+ volunteers recruited by the church arrived, Julie held a short training session then they split up into teams to begin the sanding, drilling, stapling, pounding, and assembly work, with core team members overseeing each station. Soon it sounded like a busy beehive as the sanders buzzed, background music to the other tasks.

I was amazed at how quicky these volunteers learned their jobs and jumped into the work. There was something for everyone to do. Supervised youth assembled the slats or threaded washers on large screws. More experienced folks manned the drill press. Everyone else pitched in wherever there was a need.

As components moved down the line, we began stockpiling side rails, headboards, safety rails and slats. Then more fun began. The main parts required staining in custom-made troughs. I filled in at that station, donning the heavy rubber apron and gloves needed for the messy task, and soon found my rhythm lifting, dunking and wiping.

The final touch was branding the headboards with an SHP logo. The youth especially liked this part, taking the red-hot branding iron from the fire and burning in the logo.

In just over three hours, components for 20 beds were completed by this amazing crew!

But it doesn’t stop there. Every bed is delivered complete with mattress, mattress protector, sheets, pillow and quilt – ready to be slept in right away. All at no cost to the recipient. The church held a bedding drive, sewing quilts, donating sheets and pillows and ordering mattresses. So these beds are ready for delivery.

It was a long day’s work for the team, but more rewarding and energizing than I could ever have imagined. I didn’t think I could add much to the process, but was swept along to pitch in on various tasks. And I can’t wait for the next Build, including one at my own church later this year.

So far our chapter has delivered 17 beds – quite a feat for our start-up year. I have yet to go along on a delivery, but I’m told it is a heartwarming experience. Like the teen who called from school to thank them for his new bed. The smiles on the faces tell it all. In the words of the organization’s mission, “At SHP, we fully believe that a bed is a basic need for the proper physical, emotional, and mental support that a child needs.”

Our goal for this year is to build and deliver 80 beds. We find kids through social workers, schools, churches, first responders, or anyone who hears of a child who needs a bed. Any adult can apply for a bed for a child on our website if they meet these criteria: Ages 3-17, lives in our delivery area, does not have a bed. All applications are fully vetted then assigned to a delivery team. And before long, another child has a bed to call their own, a spot to snuggle and sleep, trade secrets with a best friend, or lie down and read a good book.

Funny how opportunities find us and enrich our lives. In this case I not only got drawn in to assist in a good cause, but now work with a team of amazing folks I’d never met before. Julie and I have regained the close relationship we had all through Jr and Sr High, along with our fellow Girl Scout friend, Sue. So many rewards.

There are so many ways to get involved. We are so thankful for all the grants we have received, and for donations made on our website. There are many ways to volunteer, including participating in public Builds. Bedding items can be purchased from our Amazon Wishlist, and sent to us directly with no tax or shipping. Wondering if there is a chapter in your area? Check this list. Have questions for us? Email us at mn-duluth@shpbeds.org. You never know, you might run into an old high school buddy!