Sleep... a basic human need. You can help make a big difference in the lives of a low-income family by donating funds to purchase a bed or crib. You can make an even BIGGER difference by making your donation TODAY (GivingTuesday (11/27)) because Van Winkle Mattress Company will donate one (1) bed for every 4 beds or cribs donated today!
Many adults and children in the Washtenaw County community don't have a bed. Some families simply can't afford beds for all their members. Still others are dealing with the fallout from a traumatic event: house fire, flood, fleeing domestic abuse, etc. You can help get them off the floor and into a bed by donating funds to purchase a new bed or crib. Your help will make a difference to them for years to come.
You Can Help - Donate Funds for the Purchase of a Bed or Crib
Friends In Deed is the only agency in Washtenaw County that provides new beds to low-income families for free. We are able to do this with support from people like YOU, who donate funds to purchase a crib, bed or bunk bed as part of our Holiday Bed & Crib Drive. Each bed donated makes a profound difference to the
child or adult who receives it.In fact, given the seven-year lifespan of an
average bed and the long-term effects of sleep deprivation, the future
for these adults and children is improved for years to come.
Off the Floor and Into a Bed for a Good Night's Sleep
Many families with children come to us for help obtaining beds after coming out of a shelter or experiencing fires, floods or bedbug infestations. We also have clients who were victims of domestic abuse and have to relocate with their children. Imagine how difficult getting a good night sleep is for a child or adult who has recently experienced an upheaval due to a disaster or relocation and has to sleep on a couch or on the floor.
Whether the need for a bed arises from a traumatic event or a fragile budget, the child or adult affected starts their day feeling hopeless and helpless as they lumber off the a hard floor, still tired and sore from a bad night's sleep. They are also discouraged that, despite their hard work, they don't have what most other people in our community consider basic necessities.
A Good Night's Sleep is Crucial to a Child or Adult's Physical and Mental Health
Lack of quality sleep takes its toll in many ways. As you are no doubt aware, research shows that getting a good night’s sleep is critical for the success of children and adults alike. Sleep deprivation can result in crankiness, clumsiness and fuzzy thinking. Following directions or completing a school or work assignment may be impossible. Friendships may also suffer as a person's patience snaps. Worst of all, lack of a good night’s sleep can affect a person’s growth and immune system.
In fact, the consequences of an unhealthy sleep environment are many, especially for children:
That is why providing beds and cribs to ensure a safe and healthy sleep space is so important to low-income families in our community.