MUSCATINE, Iowa–After several months of preparation, Sleep in Heavenly Peace held its first community build on June 24. An opportunity for community members to support children in need, the first build created 10 beds and laid the groundwork for successful future builds throughout the coming months.
Though community builds involve assembling bed frames, individuals with all levels of woodworking experience have opportunities to get involved. Those comfortable using different tools could prepare boards for assembly by cutting them to size, sanding them, and drilling pilot holes in them. Others with painting or crafting experience had opportunities to stain and seal the boards and do wood burning to brand the Sleep in Heavenly Peace logo on the bed frame. People familiar with assembling furniture put all of the pieces together. Organizational wizards sorted the completed finished parts and beds. They also cataloged them to ensure Core Team Members know what they already have at future community builds.
On the first build day, 17 Sleep in Heavenly Peace Core Team Members and 16 community members came together to assemble beds. Between them, they cut pieces for 40 beds, sanded wood for 20 beds, and completed 10 beds. Sleep in Heavenly Peace delivered one bunk bed and three twin beds on the day of the build. Afterward, they fulfilled another five applications. They intend to drop off more beds following other summer community build days (like the July 8 build).
The volunteers for Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s first community build. Photo courtesy Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
With more community builds on the horizon, Sleep in Heavenly Peace needs lumber, new twin bedding, and especially new twin mattresses to keep fulfilling applications. Anyone wanting to donate materials to Sleep in Heavenly Peace may bring items to the Muscatine Center for Social Action (312 Iowa Avenue in Muscatine) or Vision Center P. C. (1700 Park Avenue in Muscatine). If people would like to make monetary donations to Sleep in Heavenly Peace to allow them to fill supply and tool needs on the fly, people may do so by visiting their website. Anyone who wants to keep up to date on Sleep in Heavenly Peace donation needs, the number of beds they have delivered, and upcoming community builds should visit their website and follow their Facebook page.
Though organizing the first community build took a lot of effort, and organizers learned on their feet, they felt delighted by how it went. Sleep in Heavenly Peace Marketing and Application Processor Nik Horn observed: “It was incredible watching our team and community volunteers work together to build the beds. Everyone’s excitement made the day so much fun.”
