Wlaf1450TOP PHOTO: This bed build event was held in May 2019 hosted by United Cumberland Bank.
By Charlotte Underwood
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Tons of kids sleep on the floor because they don’t have a bed to sleep in. Nationwide non-profit Sleep in Heavenly Peace is trying to change that.
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 build as many beds as possible.
Johnny Cain was part of a 10-bed build day in May of 2019.
This year the South Campbell County Rotary Club is sponsoring the annual Build Day for the SHP chapter locally. The event will be held on Sat., Sept. 26 in the Food City parking lot beginning at 8 am. Beds will benefit local children.
Bill Thompson started the Campbell County chapter of SHP two years ago and said it has been an “amazing experience.”
“Last year’s event went wonderful and we expect this year to have a good turnout as well,” Thompson said.
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.
Donations made locally are used locally.
Currently donations of bedding items such as new twin sized sheet sets, pillows and comforters/quilts are being accepted at a donation bin placed at the downtown location of Community Trust Bank in LaFollette.
Anyone can participate, even without previous woodworking experience. Beds come with sheets, pillows and comforters.
To sign up for the Sat., 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 at bill.thompson@shpbeds.org. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 09/25/2020-6AM)