SAN ANGELO, Texas — Since April 2023, Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s San Angelo chapter has worked to make sure no child in the city sleeps on the floor, by working with community partners and volunteers to build and deliver beds to children who do not have them.
The organization's website has an form for parents to complete to request a bed. The only requirements - a child without a bed who is between ages 3 and 17.
SHP builds and delivers twin-sized single and bunk beds. On designated build days, it sources help from people in the community to construct them.
“We want every single person to feel like they can be involved in a Sleep in Heavenly Peace build day,” San Angelo chapter president Grace Steranko said. “If they’ve never picked up a drill, if they’ve never picked up a sander or used a drill press, we are there to show you and help you. And by the end you’ll know that you have been a part of this, and that you’ve helped make a bed for a child in San Angelo.”
Steranko grew a passion for SHP when she worked at its chapter in Omaha, Nebraska. When she moved to San Angelo and didn’t find a local chapter, she started her own.
The mother of two also has a passion for children, and smiled when she talked about the look on a child's face when he or she receives a bed from SHP. For children who have never had a bed to sleep on, it is a major change.
“Before we got there, there’s nothing in the room,” she said. “And then at the end, they have a bed that they’ll sleep on tonight.”
Here's how you can help - Steranko said the local chapter needs bedding supplies such as sheets and comforters. They must be brand new and fit a twin-sized bed.
To donate, volunteer or to get more information about Sleep in Heavenly Peace, click here.