Volunteer
At SHP, we fully believe that a bed is a basic need for the proper physical, emotional, and mental support that a child needs. When it was brought to our attention that the need for beds went far beyond our own neighborhoods, we stepped up and took initiative. We’re a national organization answering the call to a national problem.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace is where it is today because of the passionate volunteers who believe in the mission of getting kids off the floor and into beds. In exchange for just a few hours of your time, you can make a direct, permanent impact in the quality of life for dozens of kids in your community.
We’re always looking for volunteers to build bunks, go on bed deliveries, host bedding drives, be vocal advocates for our mission, and start new SHP chapters in unserved communities.
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering with Sleep in Heavenly Peace can provide a number of wonderful benefits. Our volunteers learn how to build bunk beds. They have a chance to learn how to use woodworking tools such as saws, drills, sanders, hammers and many other pieces of equipment. They learn how to measure, level and make true woodcuts. They learn how to sand and stain wood. They even get to see how branding a bed works.
Our volunteers can often see what conditions people are sometimes forced to live in and this can help them appreciate the blessings they have. It gives them a sense of accomplishment and service to their fellow man. Most of all, they get to see the faces of the children as they climb into their newly delivered beds. This is a moment not easily forgotten.
Volunteering with SHP also provides the opportunity to meet other wonderful volunteers within their community. Rubbing shoulders with complete strangers while building a bed for a needy child can turn into lifelong friendships. The project brings people closer together as we are all focused on the same goal, helping children Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
How to Volunteer with SHP
Don’t be intimidated by the noise, the sawdust, or the fact you’ve never touched a power tool before. We’re simply looking for willing hearts to help turn lumber into bunks. We’ll teach you everything you need to know.
Volunteering Requirements
- Each volunteer is required to fill out an Indemnification Release Form.
- No child under the age of 12 is allowed to participate in a Build Day.
- Overage minors are required to be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Who Can Volunteer
Build Days are meant for communities to come together to serve. Because of this we encourage kids, adults, families, co-workers, neighborhoods, community groups, churches, organizations, businesses, schools, etc. to sponsor or participate in a build day. We do ask that participants are over 12 years old and that minors are accompanied by a legal guardian. Contact your area’s Volunteer Coordinator or Chapter President for more information.
How to Find A Build Day
You can find a list of upcoming Build Days on our Events page where you can sign up to register. If there are no events scheduled in your area, please reach out directly to your area’s Chapter President to let them know you’re interested in hearing about upcoming opportunities.
We’ve also created a handy guide for How to Prepare for a Build Day for those who like to know what to expect beforehand.
Building Beds for Kids in Need
Participating in one of our Build Days is an exciting experience. There’s always something to do from the moment you arrive, sign in, and get your safety gear until the last SHP logo is branded on the final headboard of the day. Volunteers – under the guidance of SHP chapter team members – build bunks in an assembly line setup. There are stations for sawing, sanding, drilling, assembling, staining, and branding the wood. What started as a pile of raw lumber from the hardware store becomes ready-to-deliver bunks for kids in need.
Video: Building and Assembling an SHP Bunk Bed
Bed Deliveries
Once the bunks are built, they serve no good until they’re delivered. As exciting and fun as building bunks can be, giving beds to kids is why we do what we do. Volunteers who help deliver beds get to see first-hand the direct impact their efforts can have on a kid’s life. For some, it will be the first time they’ve ever slept in a bed of their own.
Because bed deliveries can be sensitive situations, Chapter Presidents will coordinate a small group of volunteers from each build to be a part of the process.
Bedding Drives
Did you know that we provide each child who receives an SHP bed with a brand new pillow and
a new twin-sized sheet set and comforter? You can help us with this ongoing need by hosting a bedding
drive. Organize a group of co-workers, friends and/or family to purchase and collect new twin sized
bedding for SHP. Then drop off at your local chapter or arrange for the bedding to be picked up at the
completion of your campaign. Alternatively, if you have room, arrange for a bunk bed to be set up and
hold a Stuff A Bunk Event where your organization will fill that bunk with new bedding for children in
your community. Perhaps you know of businesses, schools, churches, or other community groups that
would be interested in supporting SHP and you are willing to coordinate bedding drives on their behalf –
please reach out to your local Chapter to become a bedding drive coordinator in your community.
Ready to Start?
- Find your closest chapter on our Find a Chapter page.
- Call, email, text, or fill out the form on the Contact page and your local chapter Volunteer Coordinator will reach out to you.
- Invite your friends, service group members or co-workers! Spread the word on Facebook and other social media.
- Feel great about learning new skills and helping children in your community.
Spread the Word
Sleep in Heavenly Peace was started from the voices of people willing to open their mouths and spread the word. It takes all of us to find, organize and supply these terrific children beds to sleep in. You will be amazed at the response you receive when you share with others your involvement with our group. The more volunteers that we have, the more beds we can build and the more children we can help. Spreading the word may be the most important way for people to volunteer.