Story By MARY BAILEY

With the need greater than ever, Marshall-DeKalb Electric Cooperative and Peoples Independent Bank held a community bed build last Friday.

By working together the volunteers were able to build 90 beds for Marshall County’s Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

Starting at 8 a.m., 1000 Riveroak Road in Albertville was transformed into a bed building workshop where it was all hands on deck.

Screws were tightened, boards were sanded and beds were assembled all with one goal in mind, no child sleeps on the floor in our town.

Since mid-Oct of last year, the Marshall County Chapter has served 84 families with 177 kids now having a bed of their own, 10 beds delivered per week on average and over 100 children still waiting on beds due to applications coming in daily.

“Today, our community came together with one goal-to ensure that every child has a bed to sleep in. Thanks to the incredible dedication of our volunteers, 90 beds were built in just a couple of hours, and will soon be in the homes of children who need them most! Thank you to everyone who showed up, worked hard, and made a difference. You are the hands and feet of love in action,” said a spokesperson for Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

“Sponsoring a bed build helps us keep up with the growing demand and ensures that no child sleeps on the floor.”

The group wants to be able to bring comfort, joy, and a good night’s sleep to kids in need, one bed at a time.

According to their official website, there is no judgment on those who apply for a bed for their child.

Questions you will not be asked when you apply for a bed from Sleep in Heavenly Peace include:

How much money do you make?

Are you a legal citizen?

Why don’t you just buy a bed yourself?

Do you have proof of hardship?

Are you a ‘good enough’ parent?

Do you really deserve this?

For those who need an application for a bed, visit shpbeds.org/apply

For those who would like to volunteer or organize a bed build, visit volunteer.shpbeds.org or email bryan.baker@shpbeds.org.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a 501 © 3 non-profit organization.