Rocky Mount based non

A growing number of children in the Rocky Mount area are now getting their best night's sleep. That's because of a non-profit mission called "Sleep in Heavenly Peace."

The effort, now four years in operation, continues to grow to help young children without suitable beds, often sleeping on a hard floor, a mat, a pallet or an old air mattress.

The operation is led by co-presidents Michael Sohn and Frank Hernandez, joined by many volunteers.

Lowes Hardware is a key partner offering donated lumber. Local area businesses are also contributors.

Volunteers turn the lumber into beds. Sohn says, "Each bed is handcrafted. It's the sweat and tears of the community is what we call it."

Over the last four years, Sohn, Hernandez and volunteers have been on a mission to help disadvantaged children.

Hernandez said, "We are very passionate about getting kids off the floor and we literally mean off the floor." He added, "I had stints in my childhood where we didn't have a bed and I slept on the floor."

Since their start, the group has delivered one thousand beds. The next three beds after that milestone go to the family of Maria Alvarez. The children include a few of her children and young cousins.

6-year-old Aubree has been sleeping on a thin mat in a shared bedroom. Sohn said, "The need in this area is even greater than I thought it would have been."

A seasoned crew of bed-builders get the job done quickly. In the course of their building Sohn asked, "What's the record?", for assembling a typical bed. Hernandez answered, "a minute 20 seconds".

Each bed gets a whole set of linens, soft mattresses, comforters, pillows and pillow cases. Before long, the family is called to the upstairs room with their eyes closed. "And open your eyes," said Hernandez.

The children smiled, and 7-year-old Mariah said, "This is nice!" Mariah ended up with the top bunk while sister Aubree took the lower bunk. 9-year-old Raniya has the single bed to herself.

The oldest two, 10-year-old Tymiya and 12-year-old Angela already have suitable beds.

Having their own soft bed offers health benefits like less stress and anxiety. A good night's sleep helps children do their best at school.

Maria Alvarez says it's a big change for the better. "Yeah, that was very difficult, cramped on the couch. I didn't expect it to be like this but it's amazing," said Alvarez.

Hernandez said, "We look at it as we're building community and building our future."

"Sleep in Heavenly Peace" has expanded into Halifax County, which has just surpassed 100 bed deliveries for children.

The non-profit relies on corporate and personal donations and volunteers to meet young children's needs.

They accomplish their mission largely by way of social media, including Facebook. They accept mailed and in-person donations. If you're interested in donating, go to shpbeds.org.