A simple bed can make a big difference in a child's life. That's the mission behind the Marshfield chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit that has now delivered more than 740 beds to children in need across the area.
The organization will also benefit from this year's Webster County Fair pie auction. Fair organizers have chosen Sleep in Heavenly Peace as the recipient of the proceeds from the annual fundraiser.
Robert Williams, one of the chapter's five core volunteers, said the support will help the group continue providing beds for children ages 3 to 17 who don't have one of their own.
"We don't focus on why a child doesn't have a bed," Williams said. "We just want to make sure every child has a safe, comfortable place to sleep."
The Marshfield chapter was started in 2021 by Alan Balmer, Tom Donovan, Carl Gore, Terry Arndt, and Williams after training with the national organization. Since then, volunteers from throughout the community have built and delivered hundreds of beds.
Community build days typically produce between 40 and 70 beds at a time. The next build is scheduled for October 24th and will create 40 more beds for local children.
Each bed is built by volunteers and delivered fully furnished with a mattress, pillow, sheets, blankets, and other bedding so children can sleep in their new bed the same night it arrives.
Williams said local businesses and donors play a major role. Lumber donations help reduce construction costs, while others donate bedding and financial support.
"It's really a community effort," he said.
For Williams, one of the most rewarding parts isn't building the beds but delivering them.
"That's when you really see the impact of what we do," he said.
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