Diana Gerke Director | Tomah Memorial Hospital Inc.
Diana Gerke Director | Tomah Memorial Hospital Inc.
Tomah Health Community Foundation has contributed $1,200 to the Monroe County Depot for Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) to support a local initiative aimed at providing beds for children in need. The donation was presented by foundation president Brian Eirschele and vice president Jeremy Haldeman to SHP chairperson Gwen Nelson on February 14.
Eirschele expressed his surprise and concern upon learning about the number of children lacking proper beds in the area. "I was one who was shocked that we have a need for our young people in this city to have a need for beds. It’s still surprising to me and it breaks my heart in many ways," he stated.
The funds will assist with a 'build day' scheduled for February 15 at Recreation Park in Tomah, where SHP aims to construct 40 to 50 beds. "It feels wonderful to be able to help out with building beds in the community," said Eirschele, who plans to participate in the event.
Nelson highlighted the comprehensive support each child receives: "Each child receives the bed frame, the mattress, pillowcase, sheets and a pillow, and then most of them will receive a handmade quilt for their bed." She emphasized the importance of such donations: "Without the foundation’s support we would not be able to do this, so we truly appreciate the foundation donating the money."
Sleep in Heavenly Peace is an Idaho-based nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring every child has access to a bed. Nelson mentioned that over its three-year presence locally, hundreds of beds have been provided. She remarked on the unfortunate circumstances some children face: "We don’t ask where the kids are. Some are sleeping on the floor, some are sleeping in chairs... They’re not getting a good night’s sleep."
Families needing assistance can apply through SHP's website at www.shpbeds.org. Nelson pointed out that there is significant demand due to socioeconomic challenges: "We do have a lot of underprivileged people in this area."
Nelson assured continued efforts as long as resources and volunteers remain available. She invited more community involvement: “We’re still trying to get people out there to be educated with Sleep in Heavenly Peace... We’ve done over 100 beds this last year.”
For those interested in contributing or learning more about SHP's mission, Nelson can be contacted directly or through their website.
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