OMAHA, IL (WSIL) -- A new organization is working to help children in need in southern Illinois by giving them a soft place to lay their heads at night.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a national organization that provides beds for children in need. After recognizing a need in southern Illinois, Omaha resident Kyle Fenton and his wife decided to start the Sleep in Heavenly Peace White County, IL Chapter, which kicked-off at the beginning of 2020.
"We're just doing what we do and trying to love on some people," said Fenton.
The group raises funds to buy materials to make single twin beds or bunk beds for kids ages 2 to 17. Fenton said they use his barn and other businesses and church parking lots for the builds. The builds are the assembly-line style. Fenton said they have about 20 core volunteers who help regularly, but he's seen 50 volunteers participate in a group build.
"This is about a greater community that is just people helping people, and the outpouring has been tremendous," he added.
The chapter built about 80 beds last year and delivered over 40 beds to local children. Fenton said they hope to have 100 to 120 beds this year. The group also provides sheets, pillows, blankets, and mattresses. This chapter covers Saline, White, and Gallatin Counties with some spill-over into other counties.
Fenton said nothing is more rewarding than the look on a child's face when they get their bed. He called the reaction the crown jewel of the entire experience.
If you would like to learn more about volunteering, donating, or the organization itself, you can go to the Facebook page or to the website and look for that chapter.
