By Steve Esser
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Having somewhere to sleep is something no child should have to worry about, and that’s the founding mission for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nationwide charity that recently set up operations in Blairsville.
Young Harris College and the Blairsville chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace will co-host a bed-building event on March 18 at Mayor’s Park in Young Harris. Student volunteers will be working with representatives from the Blairsville chapter.
“We are excited to partner with Sleep in Heavenly Peace because their mission is incredibly impactful, making sure no child in our community sleeps on the floor,” said Jessie Homesley, YHC softball coach and organizer of the YHC event. “At Young Harris College, we believe in creating a service-minded culture, and this is a hands-on way for our students to live that out. We will be building and assembling beds that will go directly to children in need, making a real difference right here in the Enchanted Valley.”
Sleep in Heavenly Peace has 327 chapters across the United States, which have provided 340,000 beds to children between the ages of 3 and 17. The charity provides beds, mattresses, bedding, and pillows, all free of charge.
“When you support a charitable organization, you want to know your contribution makes a real difference,” said Doug Murphy, president of the Blairsville chapter. “That’s why we’re incredibly proud to announce that Sleep in Heavenly Peace has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid’s GuideStar for the eighth consecutive year.
“Which means, we’re keeping our promise,” Murphy continued. “When we say that 95 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to building and delivering beds for children in need, we mean it. This remarkable efficiency rate isn’t just a number – it represents real beds and a lasting impact on the lives of the children we serve and those we have the potential to serve in the future.”
The March 18 event has plenty of volunteers at this point, but Murphy says there are plenty of ways to help out. Donations to the Blairsville chapter can be made here: bit.ly/409hGOb.
“We are in need of donations to help us build up our tools and related bed-building components,” he said. “And we also need linens for our bed deliveries. Frankly, we could use any and all help that anyone could offer. Please, reach out to us at: shpbeds.org or call (844) 432-2337, extension 6135.”
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of Northeast Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College offers 34 majors and 23 minors, ranging from biology or outdoor studies to business administration or kinesiology. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the Conference Carolinas. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
