By Steve Esser
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — More than 150 students from Young Harris College were on hand Wednesday morning, helping to build beds at a charity event for the Blairsville chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nationwide charity.
YHC and the Blairsville chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace co-hosted the bed-building event at Mayor’s Park in Young Harris.
“We are so proud of our students who gave of their time to help Sleep in Heavenly Peace with their mission of making sure no child in our community sleeps on the floor,” said Jessie Homesley, YHC softball coach and organizer of the YHC event. “Sleep in Heavenly Peace had the system (for building beds) all set up, so after a little training, it ran like a machine all day.”
Working with volunteers from the Blairsville chapter, the group put together 20 beds for children in the community.
“It was a fabulous turnout today,” said Doug Murphy, president of the Blairsville chapter. “The students were a tremendous help, and we could not have done it without them! We would like to thank the YHC Athletic Department, the City of Young Harris, and all the students and volunteers who helped today. We, and the families that will be helped by their efforts, deeply appreciate everyone’s assistance.”
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.
“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,” Homesley said. “We built and assembled beds that will go directly to children in need, making a real difference right here in the Enchanted Valley.”
Having direct impact on the community is part of what attracted Murphy to start the Blairsville chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
“When you support a charitable organization, you want to know your contribution makes a real difference,” he said. “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.
“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.”
While the event is over, 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.
