In 2012, an Idaho father inspired his family to join him in building and donating a bunk bed after learning there were local children who – each night – slept on the floor.
It was the Christmas season, a time of joy and happiness, a time of giving and love, but also a troubled time of uncertainty for a community filled with children without a proper place to rest their heads.
Shocked to discover how widespread this specific need was in his close-knit community, Luke Mickelson – with help from his family – took a giant leap forward. He founded “Sleep in Heavenly Peace,’’ a non-profit that builds and delivers beds to children in need.
Today there are over 250 “Sleep in Heavenly Peace’’ chapters nationwide, including one in the Cedar Rapids/Marion, Iowa, corridor. At SHP, they believe that a bed is a basic need for the proper physical, emotional, and mental support that a child needs.
Seeing and understanding the need better the lives of those they serve, Rock Valley Physical Therapy family members from its Marion, Iowa, clinic, joined forces with the “Marion/Cedar Rapids chapter of SHP, standing in-concert with the group to live its motto: “No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in our Town.”
Together, the two sides worked to build and stain bunk beds, provided pillows, sheets, comforters, and whole bed options for in-need families who have children that typically sleep on the couch or floor.
Many have never had a bed of their own.
For its effort and dedication to the community to which it serves, Rock Valley’s Marion clinic is the “Making Better Lives’’ recipient for December 2021. The clinic will receive $200 to be distributed to a charity of its choice and a certificate of recognition.
“This is great news,’’ said Daniel Drey, PT, MSPT, Marion’s clinic manager. “We are so appreciative and humbled to be awarded as the “Making Better Lives” recipient for December, 2021.‘’
Drey lauded the efforts of RVPT family members Catherine Herrig, Jonathan Staab, Sheryl McDonald, Lillian Lofton, Vince Klopfenstein and Kory Carlson for their time, their effort and their kindness in understanding the importance of giving back.
“My staff is amazing,’’ Drey said. “We chose SHP because it allowed our donation to remain in the local chapter in the Cedar Rapids/Marion area. “This past year members of my family have personally gone to build days and assisted other volunteers to build and stain bunk beds.
“As recipient of this honor our clinic will decide on another philanthropic endeavor to utilize the associated check that comes with this award,’’ added Drey. “We are grateful for the opportunity to use this award money to help even more people. This fits perfectly with what RVPT tries to do, working diligently to find new ways to ‘Make More Better Lives’.’’
Hats off, Marion. Those in need in a community you serve are better because of your kindness compassion and never-ending care.
Check it out here: Rock Your Health – Tools for Lifelong Health Management
By: Johnny Marx. Storyteller