Bonnie Scurry has been a resident of Southbridge for six years, and she couldn't be happier with her community. “I love the relaxed, friendly feel of Southbridge,” Bonnie shares. “Residents vary in backgrounds, lifestyles, income levels, careers, recreational preferences, and religions, which makes for really interesting conversations and friendships.”

Bonnie is the driving force behind the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing beds for children who do not have one. This national organization operates on a 100% volunteer basis, ensuring that every donation goes directly toward building and delivering beds to children in need. Bonnie’s motto, “Every child deserves a safe place to sleep,” echoes the mission of Sleep in Heavenly Peace: “NO child sleeps on the floor in OUR town!”

With the help of hundreds of volunteers, Sleep in Heavenly Peace constructs handmade, solid wood twin beds that can be stacked to make bunks if needed. Donations fund the cost of lumber, building materials, new mattresses, and handpicked bedding for each child. “It all begins with a piece of lumber and ends with a smile,” Bonnie says, capturing the essence of their mission.

As the President of the local chapter, Bonnie has been pivotal in bringing this initiative to Savannah. Inspired by friends involved in the program in another city, Bonnie knew immediately that this was what Savannah needed. Having served as an educator in the Chatham County School System for almost 20 years, she witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of “bedlessness.” Children who lacked proper sleep struggled to stay awake during class, exhibited high irritability, had difficulty retaining information, and generally performed below average academically. “Nights without good sleep recovery take a significant toll on our bodies, minds, and emotions,” Bonnie explains. “Every child deserves better!”

Educating the community about this issue and its simple solution has been the biggest challenge. However, once people understand the impact, they are eager to help. “They simply begin to ask, ‘How can I help?’ and share the story with their friends and colleagues,” Bonnie notes.

The impact of Sleep in Heavenly Peace on the community has been profound. The greatest reward for Bonnie is the smiles and hugs from children as they joyfully jump into their new beds. “A trip to Disney couldn’t top the enthusiasm and joy,” she says. This experience fuels her resolve to continue building and delivering beds. With an estimated 9,000 children in Chatham County without a bed, Bonnie and her team have already served almost 200 children and are determined to reach many more.

As Sleep in Heavenly Peace enters its second year in Savannah, the organization is looking forward to several upcoming projects and events. The initiative relies heavily on monetary and material donations to fund Sponsored Build Days and provide new mattresses and bedding for each child. Bed Builds are organized with volunteer groups who sponsor financially and/or provide needed manpower. These events are hard work but also incredibly fun, fostering new friendships as volunteers work side by side.

“The process is organized so that 80-100 volunteers can fit in, work the whole process from start to finish, and complete 50+ bed frames in a three-hour period,” Bonnie explains. The consistent building plan used by all SHP chapters across the country ensures efficiency, and chapters often share ideas and assist each other, creating a family-like bond.

There are various ways for individuals, businesses, groups, and organizations to contribute. Sleep in Heavenly Peace always needs monetary and bedding donations to cover the complete costs of the beds. Hosting or sponsoring Build Days is another great way to get involved, requiring only outdoor space, electricity, and restroom access. “We can supply EVERYTHING else!” Bonnie assures. And of course, new and dedicated volunteers are always welcome.

For more information on upcoming Bed Build dates, locations, Delivery Volunteer Opportunities, and Donation links, visit their website at shpbeds.org/ga-savannah. To see day-to-day activities and photos of recent events, follow them on Facebook at “Sleep in Heavenly Peace - GA, Savannah.”

Bonnie Scurry’s dedication to ensuring every child in the community has a bed to sleep in is truly inspiring. Her leadership and the support of countless volunteers and donors are making a profound impact on the lives of many children in need. Join Bonnie and the Sleep in Heavenly Peace team in making a difference today!

To learn more about Sleep in Heavenly Peace visit shpbeds.org/chapter/ga-savannah/

To contact Bonnie directly with questions or to learn more: bonnie.scurry@shpbeds.org