Argos organizations partner with 'Sleep in Heavenly Peace' bed-building program

A coalition of three Argos organizations has brought a national non-profit dedicated to ending child "bedlessness" to the Marshall County community, with a Bed Build Day scheduled for Saturday.

The Argos Lions Club, Argos Community Development Corporation, and Argos United Methodist Church have partnered to launch a local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2012 with a simple but powerful mission: "No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town."

SHP is dedicated to building and delivering beds — complete with mattresses, pillows, sheets, and bedspreads — to children ages 3 to 17 who are currently sleeping on floors, couches, or sharing beds. All beds and bedding are provided to families at absolutely no cost. The organization relies entirely on donations and volunteer support to operate its chapters across the United States and Canada.

Volunteers are invited to roll up their sleeves and help build 30 beds by noon at the Argos Education Center, located at 120 North First Street. The Safety Talk begins at 9:00 a.m. No experience is required, and all tools are provided. Organizers simply ask that volunteers bring their enthusiasm.

Pre-registration is helpful but not required. Those who wish to register in advance can visit www.SHPbeds.org. Volunteers who show up on the day of the build can sign the liability waiver on-site.

Financial donations are needed to sustain the program. Each bed costs an estimated $250 to produce, covering the frame, mattress, mattress cover, pillow, sheets, and bedspread. Donations can be mailed to the Argos Lions Club, c/o Monty Peden, 1266 State Road 110, Rochester, IN 46957.

All beds are built as twin size and can be easily modified into a bunk bed if needed.

Families in need of a free bed for a child ages 3 to 17 who is currently sleeping on the floor, a sofa, or sharing a bed may apply online at www.shpbeds.org/apply. Applicants must be the legal guardian of the child to qualify.