Dutchmen RV partnered with local non-profit organization Sleep in Heavenly Peace to make 24 bunk beds for Elkhart County children.
According to Sleep In Heavenly Peace, 2% to 3% of American children are without a bed of their own.
“There is a tremendous need in our community,” Dutchmen President Kyle Kwasny said. “As a father, it is heartbreaking hearing the stories of children having to sleep on the floor because they do not have a bed.”
The cost to build and deliver a bed is $250 each, including lumber, materials and new bedding, delivered and set up in the child’s home. Sleep In Heavenly Peace typically builds 300 beds a year, but the organization stated the local need exceeds their annual capability.
Beds are designed to be either single or bunk beds and come with a mattress, mattress pad, pillow, sheets and comforter.
“We are extremely fortunate to have amazing partners such as Lippert Components, who donated the mattresses, and Great Lakes Forest Products, who provided the lumber to build the beds,” said Tim Collins, Dutchmen director of manufacturing “We reached out to them with the request and without hesitation they were on board.”
Dutchmen plant team members donated their time to fabricate the 24 bunk beds by staying late a few days. Employees also donated more than 150 comforter sets, blankets, sheet sets, and pillows within two weeks.
“I am very humbled by our Dutchmen family,” Kwasny said. “Their compassion is truly inspiring. This Christmas there will be children who will receive their Christmas wish.”
Sleep in Heavenly Peace relies completely on donations and volunteer support to continue its mission.
“Every child deserves a bed, their own place to rest and dream,” said Jennifer Sager, president of the Elkhart Chapter of Sleep In Heavenly Peace. “Giving them a bed helps them to get good restful sleep. Children that get adequate sleep have less behavior issues, do better in school, and are healthier overall. We fully believe that a bed is a basic need for the proper physical, emotional, and mental support that a child needs.”
