WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. (WKBW) — It's a space full of lumber and volunteers who are working hard to build beds from scratch for children in need. Based in the Eastern Hills Mall, Sleep in Heavenly Peace has built 110 beds to date.
"We would like to get to the point where we’re building upwards of 500 beds a year,” said Jerry Sheldon, Chapter President.
SHP is a national organization with chapters around the country, helping children ages 3-17. The Buffalo chapter was created in 2019 to help provide a comfortable place to sleep for the 10,000 children without one in our area.
“When we have gone into some of these homes and seen the conditions some of these children have been sleeping in. on a couch, on the floor with a few jackets or something or blankets underneath them,” said Sheldon.
Their motto is, "No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!" They've personally delivered 44 beds so far and counting. Through building events and volunteer work, they hope to reach their 500 bed goal.
"My hope is that by helping someone by one of these beds, that they can maybe somehow feel that this is somebody helping them to get out of the situation they’re in. They’re young, they’re impressionable and we hope to leave them with the impression that somebody cares,” said Sheldon.
They're looking for volunteers, donations and groups to sponsor beds for kids. You can drop off unused bedding donations at their location at the Eastern Hills Mall.
"This whole concept is about community. We want the community to help solve this problem," said Sheldon.
If you or someone you know has a child that needs a bed, fill out the online application here. If you want to volunteer, click here. To donate, click here.
