Group makes beds for children

Volunteers of the Marysville chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace deliver a bed to a Marysville apartment on Dec. 20, 2020. Pictured, from left, are John Mangas, Steve Smith, Jose Banaag and Marty Logsdon. (Submitted Photo)

Marysville has taken on the mission of “no kid sleeps on the floor in our town” with a local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
“Two years ago I was just talking with my boss about how we can get involved in giving back to the community,” said Bradley Kitzler, president of the Marysville chapter.
His boss was aware of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a non-profit organization with headquarters in Idaho.
According to its website, Sleep in Heavenly Peace was founded in 2012 “as a non-profit that partners with the community to build bunk beds for kids who are sleeping on the floor.”
There are over 200 chapters, in nearly 50 states and three countries. The Marysville chapter is one of nine based in Ohio.
Shortly after learning about the organization, Kitzler said his wife, Brittney, who is a local teacher, told him about a student who asked for a pillow and blanket for Christmas.
The Marysville chapter is one of nine based in Ohio. Seeing the need, Kitzler began training to establish a local chapter in June 2019.
“Even if you just help one kid, one family, it’s worth the time,” he said.
Since it was founded, the Marysville chapter has built about 60 beds but has only delivered nearly 20. The chapter is waiting on some mattresses that have been delayed in the supply chain because of the pandemic before the beds can be delivered. Volunteers also did not want to make deliveries to local households for concern that it would spread the virus.
Additionally, COVID-19 stalled build days.
“With the pandemic, we couldn’t be in groups of 20 building beds,” Kitzler added.
The Marysville chapter is currently accepting applications for beds.
To request a bunk bed, visit shpbeds.org. Applicants must fit the following criteria: live in the vicinity of the chapter, have an accessible house or apartment with a room large enough to fit one of the beds, be accessible via phone, text or email for communication, and fill out the online Sleep in Heavenly Peace application form.
A selection committee will review all applications and make decisions based on which children need beds the most. Beds are made and delivered as supplies and donations allow.
All beds are complete with mattress, pillows and bedding.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a volunteer organization.
“Really the biggest thing we need is people to volunteer,” Kitzler said, adding that he would greatly appreciate it if anyone would like to become a core member to assist him in leading the chapter.
Kitzler explained that one to two volunteers are needed to build a bed, but the chapter aims to make build days and delivery events community activities. He said 10 to 20 beds are typically made at each building event.
To get involved in Sleep in Heavenly Peace, volunteer and participate in Marysville build day or delivery events, sponsor a build day or make a financial or in-kind contribution by donating to the local chapter.
Lowe’s at 15775 U.S. 36 East has donated a majority of tools the chapter uses, Kitzler said, as well as lumber. In addition to Lowe’s and individual donations, Kitzler said Keller Williams in Columbus sponsored a build earlier this year, donating $7,000 for lumber and labor.
Kitzler said 90 percent of donations stay at the local chapter to provide pillows, blankets, sheets, lumber and tools. The other 10 percent of donations is sent to the Idaho headquarters for administrative purposes.
For more information, visit www.shpbeds.org/chapter/oh-marysville or call 844-432-2337, ext. 5941.