TOP PHOTO:  Here is a look after one bed is assembled from Bill Thompson (left) and John Polly (right) during the May “Bed Build” at United Cumberland Bank in May 2019.
By Charlotte Underwood
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – All children should have a bed to sleep in; which is where Sleep in Heavenly Peace comes in. SHP is a nation wide non profit that builds  beds to provide to kids across the country, including locally here in Campbell County. Once a year SHP holds a nation wide movement called Bunks Across America where chapters of the organization all across the country hold “build days” to construct  as many beds as possible.
This year,  the South Campbell County Rotary Club is sponsoring the Build Day for the SHP chapter locally. The event will be held on Sept. 26 in the Food City parking lot beginning at 9 am.
The SHP donation bin is located in the lobby of the Community Trust Bank’s main office in Downtown La Follette.  Pillows, twin sheets, quilts and comforters are welcomed.
Bill Thompson started the Campbell County chapter of SHP two years ago and said it has been an “amazing experience.”
He also said bed requests have been opened back up after being shut down due to the Corona virus and anyone needing a bed for their child could contact SHP.  The local chapter covers Campbell County, Anderson County and Knox County.
“Bed requests have been open for a week and already we have had eight requests from LaFollette,” Thompson said.
The SHP brand is burned into every bed.  In May 2019, Cayden Sumner (below) shows off the brand.  Cayden was the youngest volunteer that day’s build at United Cumberland Bank.
Donations made locally are used locally.
“We try to make sure what our donors give us stays in that area,” Thompson said.
Currently donations of bedding items such as new twin sized sheet sets, pillows and comforters/quilts are being accepted at a donation bin placed outside of Community Trust Bank in LaFollette.
During an SHP Build Day, volunteers use raw lumber and some easy-to-use tools to build handmade bunk beds for the children in the area who are sleeping on the floor. These events are made possible by generous donations from local sponsors. Anyone can participate, even if you have no previous woodworking experience.
“We start with a stack of lumber and then we cut it, stain it, brand it and it’s ready to be loaded up. The headboard, bed rails and base are then assembled at the child’s home. Beds come with sheets, pillows and comforters.
Preparing for a Build Day
Share what you’re doing
   – Share Build Day event information on your social media accounts
   – Tell people about SHP and your involvement
   – Ask others to join you
Dress appropriately
   – Take into consideration that Build Days can happen indoors or outdoors throughout the year
   – Your clothes will get dirty and dusty
   – Closed-toed shoes are required
   – Hats or visors are recommended
   – Bring plenty of sunscreen
   – Your chapter will provide eye protection, hearing protection, dust masks, and disposable gloves
The raw lumber, the best around coming from Kash & Karry Building Supply, is cut.
According to SHP, “Build Days are meant for communities to come together to serve”. Because of this, the organization encourages kids, adults, families, co-workers, neighborhoods, community groups, churches, organizations, businesses, schools, etc. to sponsor or participate in a build day. They do ask that participants are over 12 years old and that minors are accompanied by a legal guardian. Registration for the event is preferred so a headcount can be done to provide lunch for volunteers.
To sign up for the Sept. 26 Build Day sponsored by the South Campbell Rotary Club, contact local SHP chapter leader Bill Thompson at 407-678-2638 or email him.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 09/17/2020-6AM)

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