Sleep in Heavenly Peace leaders chosen
by DJ Kauffman Correspondent · May 30th, 2019
Gretchen Holley had no idea kids were sleeping on the floor before she watched a video called "Returning the Favor" in February of last year.
The video highlighted the Sleep in Heavenly Peace organization, head quartered in Twins Fall, Idaho, where they make beds for underprivileged children who are in need of a good night sleep. Holley said she saw the video and thought, "I can do that. I can run a Chop Saw. I can drill things."
Holley then contacted Sleep in Heavenly Peace organizers to let them know she was interested in beginning the Marion Chapter, the first of its kind in Iowa. Besides the one in Marion, Chapters are expanding in the Des Moines, Anamosa and Clinton areas, she said.
Holley is moving to Peoria, Illinois, so new Chapter leaders Mark and Linda Condett and Scott and Lori Berry were recently chosen to take her place.
The Condetts and Berrys are building a group who will promote Sleep in Heavenly Peace projects on social media and will oversee build days. "They are building a leadership team of volunteers who will help spread the work around," Holley said.
On June 15, the National Sleep in Heavenly Peace organization is sponsoring Bunks Across America, with all 140+ chapters in 40 states participating. Holley said the goal nationwide is to build 5,000 bunks for 10,000 kids across the country.
"We are here. We are building. People can make their requests online at SHP beds.org. Those requests filter back to them," Holley said.
According to Holley, the Marion Chapter in particular is hoping to build 100 beds on June15 from 8:30 a.m. to about 6:00 p.m., with Hy-Vee providing lunch. Water will also be supplied.
The Marion Chapter is in need of additional help. "We need financial sponsors. Each bed costs $150. If companies are looking for a new way to give back to the community, this is a great opportunity. If ten companies would commit to sponsoring 10 beds each ($1,500) we would be good to go.
"You can go our Facebook page SleepinheavenlypeaceIowacedarrapids where there is a link you can sign up to volunteer. We have three, 3-hour shifts people can choose from. We will also have people delivering beds that afternoon as well," Holley said.
People in Peoria have already requested Holley's help to start a Sleep in Heavenly Peace program there. "We are going to get a Chapter started over there. In fact, some of those people are going to come here [to Marion] for the big build day on June 15, so they can get a taste of it," she said.
by DJ Kauffman Correspondent · May 30th, 2019
Gretchen Holley had no idea kids were sleeping on the floor before she watched a video called "Returning the Favor" in February of last year.
The video highlighted the Sleep in Heavenly Peace organization, head quartered in Twins Fall, Idaho, where they make beds for underprivileged children who are in need of a good night sleep. Holley said she saw the video and thought, "I can do that. I can run a Chop Saw. I can drill things."
Holley then contacted Sleep in Heavenly Peace organizers to let them know she was interested in beginning the Marion Chapter, the first of its kind in Iowa. Besides the one in Marion, Chapters are expanding in the Des Moines, Anamosa and Clinton areas, she said.
Holley is moving to Peoria, Illinois, so new Chapter leaders Mark and Linda Condett and Scott and Lori Berry were recently chosen to take her place.
The Condetts and Berrys are building a group who will promote Sleep in Heavenly Peace projects on social media and will oversee build days. "They are building a leadership team of volunteers who will help spread the work around," Holley said.
On June 15, the National Sleep in Heavenly Peace organization is sponsoring Bunks Across America, with all 140+ chapters in 40 states participating. Holley said the goal nationwide is to build 5,000 bunks for 10,000 kids across the country.
"We are here. We are building. People can make their requests online at SHP beds.org. Those requests filter back to them," Holley said.
According to Holley, the Marion Chapter in particular is hoping to build 100 beds on June15 from 8:30 a.m. to about 6:00 p.m., with Hy-Vee providing lunch. Water will also be supplied.
The Marion Chapter is in need of additional help. "We need financial sponsors. Each bed costs $150. If companies are looking for a new way to give back to the community, this is a great opportunity. If ten companies would commit to sponsoring 10 beds each ($1,500) we would be good to go.
"You can go our Facebook page SleepinheavenlypeaceIowacedarrapids where there is a link you can sign up to volunteer. We have three, 3-hour shifts people can choose from. We will also have people delivering beds that afternoon as well," Holley said.
People in Peoria have already requested Holley's help to start a Sleep in Heavenly Peace program there. "We are going to get a Chapter started over there. In fact, some of those people are going to come here [to Marion] for the big build day on June 15, so they can get a taste of it," she said.
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