RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City woman Katie Bates saw a story on the bed building program on television, she felt moved to start a chapter in Rapid City and has been running it for just over a year.
With product donations from local businesses and volunteers donating their time and efforts, they delivered over 120 beds last year.
Katie Bates, Rapid City Chapter Sleep in Heavenly Peace Chapter Pres., says, “I’ve always felt that if you are able to help out with a community service and you are able to, you should do that. I’ve looked into several different things and never really felt like I was a huge part of it. This opportunity, I thought I could get it started, I could play a big role.”
After the lumber is delivered, the crew sands the wood, then meet a different time to build the bed frames and finally construct the bed during the delivery to the home.
They’ve delivered up to 10 beds in an evening for children 3-18 years old. The mission of Sleep in Heavenly Peace is to meet a basic need of children- a good night’s sleep.
Bates says, “I think that every kid needs their own private place to sleep and call their own and we all know that sleep is important for kid’s growth and developments, and to have your bed will facilitate that for sure, as opposed to sleeping on a hard floor or with siblings on a couch or whatever condition they are sleeping in.”
During delivery day, the families are excited and thankful for the anticipated slumber.
“They are immediately on the bed, jumping on the bed, as soon as we get it done for them so the joy on the kid’s face is so satisfying, it’s probably the most rewarding part of what we do, and not only the kids but the parents as well. You can tell that they are relieved, always very thankful. I’m sure it’s hard to ask for help,” says Bates.
The application process is up and running for those looking to receive a bed and the group is always in need of volunteers and donations.
Katie says that you don’t have to have any special wood working skills to volunteer. Volunteers should be 12 or older.
Those interested in receiving a bed can click here.
Looking for more news and information? NewsCenter1 Media Group has you covered go to NC1.TV today for all of your Western South Dakota and Wyoming news today.
