A few weeks ago, a group of volunteers gathered with one goal in mind: to make sure children in our community no longer have to sleep on the floor. That day, sawdust filled the air, over 40 people donated their time, and 20 brand-new beds were built for kids who need them most—all through the support of local organizations, businesses, and volunteers working together.
A Volunteer Build Day With a Purpose
The build day took place thanks to a generous $5,000 donation from, Chamber Member, VFW Post 1078, given several months earlier. Along with the donation, the VFW organized 30 volunteers and coordinated a full build day with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit organization that provides beds for children who don’t have one of their own.
Over the course of about 4 hours, volunteers measured, cut, sanded, assembled, and stacked 20 twin bed frames. Each bed was completed with pillows, sheet sets, mattresses and comforters, ensuring that every child receives a fully furnished bed—not just a frame.
The atmosphere that day was uplifting and purposeful. Some volunteers had building experience; others didn’t. What mattered most was showing up, pitching in, and knowing that every task—big or small—was making a real difference for a child in our area.
Community Support Beyond the Build
Support for Sleep in Heavenly Peace didn’t stop with the build day.
Earlier this spring the Bucyrus VFW Post 1078, along with several Bucyrus-area businesses, organized a St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl to raise money for local charities. Participating locations included:
- Bucyrus Tap House
- American Legion
- Bucyrus AMVETS
- Moose Lodge 669
- VFW Post 1078
The event raised $5,000 through participation signups, which was split evenly between Sleep in Heavenly Peace and the Bucyrus Backpack Program.
That same evening, the VFW hosted a 50/50 raffle that raised $500, with the winner, Nan Kibler, generously donating her $250 share back toward the cause. $2045 from the St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl was donated directly to Sleep in Heavenly Peace in March 2026 as an additional contribution. In total, support for Sleep in Heavenly Peace included a $5,000 donation from VFW Post 1078 in November, which fully funded the build day; the $2,045 cash donation from the Pub Crawl; and an in‑kind donation of bedding valued at approximately $500, provided during the bed build.
About Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a nonprofit organization with a simple but powerful mission:
Raise Funds. Build Beds. Deliver Beds.
The local chapter currently serves three zip codes in parts of Wyandot County and Crawford County, with plans to expand as resources allow. Families may apply for beds for children ages 3–17 who do not have a bed of their own, live within the covered zip codes, and can be reached by phone for coordination.
Nationally, an estimated 2–3% of children do not have their own bed. Many sleep on floors, couches, chairs, or share beds with siblings or caregivers. Locally, that need may be even greater.
Since the chapter launched in September, volunteers have already made over 100 beds and delivered 74 beds to children in our area.
How You Can Get Involved
There are many ways individuals and organizations can help support Sleep in Heavenly Peace:
- Apply for a bed through their website if your family qualifies
- Donate funds—each bed costs $250, and a funding full 20-bed build requires $5,000 (donations of any amount are welcome)
- Become a “Bunk Head” by committing to a monthly donation
- Volunteer your time at a build or delivery day
- Purchase items from the Amazon Wishlist, which ships directly to the local chapter. You can also check out their wishlist by scanning the QR Code below.
The Impact of Showing Up
What stood out most on build day wasn’t just how many beds were made—it was how many people showed up willing to help. Volunteering turned dollars into beds, wood into furniture, and effort into something that will change a child’s life every single night.
Sometimes making a difference looks like swinging a hammer, sanding a board, or carrying a mattress. And sometimes it simply looks like saying “yes” when help is needed.
Because of this community, more kids will sleep in beds instead of on floors—and that’s something truly worth building.
Building Stronger Communities Together
This project is a powerful example of what happens when community-minded organizations come together with a shared purpose. As a Crawford County Chamber of Commerce member, VFW Post 1078 didn’t just give financially—they led, organized volunteers, and turned their commitment into real impact for local families.
At the Crawford County Chamber, we are proud to represent members who invest their time, resources, and leadership into improving the lives of others. When Chamber members support causes like Sleep in Heavenly Peace, that support reaches far beyond one organization—it strengthens the entire community.
Whether it’s building beds, hosting fundraisers, or encouraging volunteerism, efforts like this show how local involvement truly makes a difference. Together, Chamber members, nonprofits, and volunteers can continue to raise funds, build beds, and deliver hope—one child at a time.
