Robinson-based organization builds beds, donates them to children without them

ROBINSON, Texas (KWTX) - The Sleep in Heavenly Peace - Waco chapter estimates that at any given time 4,500 to 5,500 children are without a bed in McLennan County. The chapter is trying to reduce that statistic by donating beds made by volunteers to children in need.

Baylor student Martha Mayimba is staying in Waco this summer and decided to spend her Saturday volunteering at the chapter’s Build Day.

”Since I’m not really doing anything this summer, I thought why not just participate in this?” Mayimba said.

On Build Days the assembly process starts with cutting 2x4s, 1x4s, 2x6s and 1x2s. Next the boards are sanded down. Then holes for the bolts are drilled in the pieces. Finally the bed frame is branded and stained.

Co-founder Chris Taylor said in just two years his chapter has already delivered around 600 beds to children in need.

”We’ll load up our pickup trucks with the different bed pieces,” Taylor said. “We’ll bring mattresses, linens, pillows, everything. We’ll go out to their homes.”

While volunteers like Mayimba donate time to the build, others donate supplies like lumber, mattresses and bedding.

”It costs us about $250 a bed to provide all the lumber, the screws, the sandpaper and all that stuff we need to make the bed and put them together,” Taylor said.

The finished product will go to McLennan County children who are sleeping on the floor or sharing a bed with a sibling or parent.

”I am from Uganda and some of the places in Uganda are really horrible,” Mayimba said. “Ever since I’ve seen those places in Uganda it’s just always been a part of me to want to do more and give more.”

The Sleep in Heavenly Peace - Waco chapter is still looking for volunteers and people to donate bedding. Ways to donate and volunteer opportunities can be found on the chapter’s website.