One Bed, One Dream campaign helps Bibb County children get beds

The campaign aims to help about 1,500 children who may not have a proper bed, with donations accepted through November 8.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Imagine trying to get a good night’s sleep without a bed of your own. For some children in Bibb County, that’s a reality.

Organizers with the One Bed, One Dream campaign say about 1,500 children may be sleeping on the floor or without a proper bed.

Dawn Simpson, co-owner of Macon Bed and Mattress, said she was surprised to learn how many children in the community lack a proper place to sleep.

“It’s amazing in a not positive way how many children don’t have a mattress to sleep on,” she said. “They literally sleep on the floor, or a couch or they have to sleep with several other family members.”

The Tubman African American Museum, the Bibb County School District and Sleeping Heavenly Peace are working together to provide beds for children in need.

Through Macon Bed and Mattress, people can purchase a twin or full bed set, or a bed certificate at cost to donate to a child.

Thomas Kirkendall, co-president of the Macon chapter of Sleeping Heavenly Peace, said having a bed can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.

“Child bedlessness, which isn’t a word, but it’s a problem, is something that we are trying to help heal here in Macon-Bibb County,” Kirkendall said. “The opportunity to give a bed to a child is something that will hopefully change this child’s life for the better part of the rest of their life.”

Kirkendall said Sleeping Heavenly Peace relies entirely on donations and volunteers to build and provide beds for children who need them.

Simpson said helping provide beds is important to her because of the impact a lack of sleep can have on children.

“We’ve got a lot of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and just imagining that a child does not have a proper place to sleep is heartbreaking,” Simpson said. “A child that cannot have a proper sleep cannot perform in school primarily, cannot perform in daily life.”

The One Bed, One Dream campaign is asking the community to help provide beds, mattresses, pillows, sheets and other bedding for children in need.

People can help by donating beds or bedding, making a financial donation, purchasing a bed certificate through Macon Bed and Mattress or volunteering to assist with collection and distribution.

The deadline to support the campaign is November 8.

For more information about the One Bed, One Dream campaign and how to help, visit the Tubman African American Museum’s website.