The Tallahassee Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace is reflecting on its impact in the Big Bend as it approaches its 100
th
Build Day scheduled Saturday.
The 100th Build Day is scheduled for Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at DISC Village. The organization has built about 3,580 beds for kids in Gadsden, Leon, and Wakulla Counties since its creation. Watch the video below to hear how the organization has impacted the community and why they still needs help. Sleep in Heavenly Peace Tallahassee prepare to host 100th Build Day Saturday
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
More than 7,000 volunteers.
Nearly 3,600 beds delivered.
Now, almost 100 Build Days after nearly 8 years.
Its an achievement John Cousins, the president of Sleep in Heavenly Peace Tallahassee chapter, never thought theyd reach.
Who would have thought? Back then, when we first started, our first build was almost two bunks in over three hours. Now we’re going to have 30 bunks in probably two and a half hours, he said.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace builds beds for kids who dont have comfortable sleeping arrangements.
At least 2-3% of kids dont own beds, according to the national chapter, and sleep on blankets, couches, and even the floor.
Thats more than 10,000 kids in the Big Bend.
Right now, I looked this morning, 125 applicants, 325 beds that we haven’t even looked at, let alone the ones that are in process to be delivered, Cousins said.
Their goal is to make sure no child goes without one.
Since the Tallahassee chapters creation, volunteers have built 3,580 beds for kids across Leon, Gadsden, and Wakulla Counties.
Its very special for volunteers to go deliver these beds to see firsthand what it means to these kids, and the smiles on their faces to say, I have a bed, Cousins said.
This upcoming build, Cousins is hoping to help even more.
Volunteers will build 60 beds for kids in need.
And as for the future of the organization
If we had a permanent facility of a workshop, the 600 beds that we’re building now would be double or triple because you could build during the week, he said.
The 100
th
Build Day is scheduled for Saturday morning.
But Cousins says the organization still needs more bedding and mattresses to fill the need.
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