50 Beds Built in Westland for Kids Who Don't Have One
While most of Westland was going about its Saturday morning, a group of volunteers was doing something pretty special in a Lowe's parking lot on Newburgh Road.
They were building beds for kids who don't have one.
Volunteers with Sleep in Heavenly Peace's Western Wayne County chapter gathered Saturday, September 12, for Bunks Across America, a nationwide effort to make sure children aren't sleeping on floors, couches or wherever else they can find a place to sleep.
The goal of the Westland build was 50 beds for children right here in Western Wayne County.
And this isn't a group that just drops into town once a year.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace has a Western Wayne County chapter based in Westland. The nonprofit provides beds at no cost to children ages 3 to 17 who are sleeping in conditions such as on the floor, on a couch or air mattress, or sharing a bed with parents or siblings.
The need is bigger than you might think.
Nationally, the organization currently reports more than 100,000 children waiting for beds.
Saturday's Westland build was part of Bunks Across America, an annual event that brings chapters across the country together to build beds at the same time. Organizers set a national goal this year of building more than 12,000 beds with the help of 15,000 volunteers.
The work isn't finished.
The Western Wayne County chapter has another 50-bed build scheduled for September 26 in Wayne, followed by a bed delivery day October 3 in Livonia.
Residents can also help without picking up a saw or drill. The local chapter accepts donations of new twin-size sheets, pillows and bedding. Families who have a child without a bed can also apply directly through Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
Sometimes making a difference in a kid's life really can be as simple as giving them a safe, comfortable place to sleep.
And this weekend, that work was happening right here in Westland.
