BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) gathered at Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) on Saturday, Feb. 18, to build 50 beds for children throughout the community.
According to SHP, plenty of sleep usually translates to better grades, improved emotional health and a healthier home life. Nationwide, it's estimated that there are about two million children who don't have a bed to sleep in.
"There are so many kids here in our area, roughly 3% of the kids here in Northwest Arkansas don't have a bed to sleep in," said Justin McMurtrey, the Bentonville chapter president for SHP.
For nearly two years, the non-profit has partnered with NWACC to help children in the area.
"With the facilities we have here, we were able to accompany quite large crowds to come in to volunteer. That's part of what this building was built for was to get the community in here and be a part of it," said Ray Taylor with NWACC.
McMurtrey says volunteers range in experience level with some of them never having used a power tool before to some being experienced woodworkers.
Meg Willardson fostered children in her home for six years. After closing her home, she was were determined to find another way to still serve kids in the community.
"There is no reason for kids to be sleeping on the floor. There's no reason every kid in our town shouldn't be in a bed," said Willardson.
After one year of being with SHP, Willardson says they aren't done and that the organization's cause is "spreading like wildfire", inspiring others to help.
To make a donation or look for future events, you can visit the Bentonville chapter's website here.
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