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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAfter building the first bed, a question arose. What should they do with the surplus wood?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A single Facebook post unexpectedly brought in a flood of volunteers, transforming a simple idea into a powerful movement that illuminates countless lives. Debbie Edens, a retired school principal, found her calling in the mission of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Following her retirement, she sought a new purpose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With hands itching to provide solace and comfort to families community-wide, Edens, her husband Frank, and the First Baptist Church Estill Springs started a satellite team here in Franklin County. The community responded with overwhelming generosity, laying the foundation for a transformative experience for hundreds of children across the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe research will tell you that a good night\u2019s rest combats childhood obesity, helps them in school, and helps them emotionally,\u201d Edens remarked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This organization mobilizes volunteers across the county to build, assemble, and deliver quality single and bunk beds to children ages 3 to 17. The organization, which has steadily grown over time, shines its light\u00a0 within the community, illuminating the darkness, refusing to leave any child without the comfort of a bed.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first bed building event at First Baptist Church in Estill Springs exceeded all expectations. With over 60 eager volunteers from different churches and the community, they constructed 40 beds in a single day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The initiative began by providing beds to Rock Creek School, gradually expanding to North Lake Elementary and Decherd Elementary. Sleep in Heavenly Peace has taken root, its branches reaching out to those in need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from delivering beds, the organization gifts every child with a brand-new mattress, comforter, mattress pad, and pillow. Personalized touches, such as matching bedding to a child\u2019s favorite color or character, add an extra layer of joy to the experience. A Spiderman sheet here, a princess pillowcase there \u2014 each gift a key to unlocking a child\u2019s imagination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Edens highlights the vital role community involvement plays in sustaining the organization. From individuals and churches to Rotary Clubs and United Way, the outpouring of support has been undeniable.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSomeone at the A.M. Rotary Club in Winchester heard about us and made a $1,000 donation, which was wonderful. We\u2019ve had a lot of people really jump in and support us. To put a bed with the comforter and everything in a home, it\u2019s gonna run about $250 per child,\u201d she explained. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hall\u2019s Furniture, moved by the mission, offers beds at a discounted price. Poultry Electric and Pro Hardware stepped in, donating hardware for the beds, the generosity ensuring each bed withstands the cold nights. Oaklawn Baptist Church now delivers beds around the Winchester area, helping the organization to divide and conquer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Challenges, such as sourcing mattresses and unexpected setbacks, are swiftly met with even more determination and trust in divine providence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One hundred beds delivered, with countless dreams to come. Edens\u2019 eyes shine as she looks beyond the workshop towards Coffee County, where children still sleep on hard floors. The first year in Franklin County was just the beginning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Each bed built is a step to ensure no child drifts through cold nights. Now, the dedicated crew stands ready to tackle the next challenge, building one haven at a time until every child in Franklin County wakes to the comfort of their own bed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With more donors, volunteers, and perhaps a local furniture store\u2019s embrace, Sleep in Heavenly Peace can paint Coffee County with colors of comfort. GN <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" FOR MOST of us, sleep comes easily. We lay down at night, heads meeting our soft pillow, cocooning us like warm clouds. Our tired muscles loosen, welcoming the plush embrace of our mattresses. We enjoy hours of rest comfortably without giving it a second thought.\u00a0 But a few blocks down, a different kind of night […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":21794,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[75,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21792","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-franklin-county","category-stories"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/franklin-county\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/03\/3-1-1024x683.png\")
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