TOP PHOTO: There was a great turnout for the SHP bed building event in October at Woodson Mall-Food City Center. SHP Campbell County Chapter Leader Bill Thompson, left, is working with the stain tub.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Career educator Kenneth “Smiley” Miller spent a lifetime working with children, and perhaps it’s most fitting that the next Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed build is taking place in his memory. “The fact that we’re remembering Smiley with this build makes it extra special,” said Bill Thompson, president of the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a local non-profit organization that builds beds for children who do not have a bed. Since Thompson organized the local chapter in 2018, nearly a thousand beds have been built.

The goal is to build 40 beds at the next Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed build. It’s set for Saturday, September 10, from 9am until about 11am or a shade after. Tiffany with The Doorway Gourmet will be grilling hot dogs and hamburgers around 11. The build location is in the parking lot of the Woodson Mall-Food City Center on the Jacksboro side.

John Cain helped with this first bed build that WLAF covered in May 2019.

The last build held here in Campbell County netted 40 beds in less than three hours. “It’s the large turnout of volunteers that makes the difference,” said Thompson. He adds that no experience is necessary, and that you don’t need any tools. You can call Thompson at 407.678.2638 or connect HERE or just show up at the September build.

Some of the volunteers at a bed build in Sept. 2020 at Woodson Mall-Food City Center.

Aside from the build, there is another way folks can play a key role, “fill the van.” You can help by donating accessories for the beds. Pillows, sheet sets, comforters, bed-in-a-bag and new twin size bedding are needed though Thompson emphasizes that the items must be new in the package. The van will be on site at the bed build on Sept. 10.

“All you need is a desire to help make a difference in a kids life,” said Thompson. SHP’s slogan is “no kid sleeps on the floor in our town.” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 08/25/2022-6AM)

Related