‘Snug in Their Beds’ Program Gives Children a Place to Sleep this Christmas
‘Snug in Their Beds’ Program Gives Children a Place to Sleep this Christmas
College of Wooster faculty, staff, and students provide beds for 33 children
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John Finn
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Joe Kirk, associate director of security and protective services at The College of Wooster, and a fellow volunteer deliver a bed to a family in Wooster.
WOOSTER, Ohio — Christmas arrived a week ahead of schedule for 33 children in Wayne and Holmes Counties, thanks to The College of Wooster’s “Snug in Their Beds” Program, which provides beds for needy families in the community each December. The program, now in its third year, has been a godsend for the recipients, including Julie, a young single mother in Wooster with two young boys, ages 6 and 4.
“I just found out about it, and I said, ‘you’re kidding, the College is giving away free beds,” said Julie, who works and goes to school full time. “I was really excited, and I wanted to be sure that I didn’t miss the opportunity.”
Families were screened through area social service agencies identified by United Way, and the beds were delivered by volunteers on Saturday, much to the delight of Julie’s two sons, who had been sleeping on undersized mattresses. Not only did they receive a frame and a mattress, but they also received sheets, blankets, pillows, and even stuffed animals from employees at the College. Julie’s oldest son received Batman bedding, while her youngest got Toy Story sheets and blankets.
Overall, 14 families received beds during the weekend — nine in Wooster, two in Orrville, and one each in Millersburg, Holmesville, and West Salem. Bedding was provided through donations by groups of College employees in seven departments, including three in dining services and two in the service center. In addition, 10 individuals, four residence hall communities, and three student organizations donated bedding, as well as the mother of a student from Pittsburgh, who, along with several co-workers, provided sheets, blankets, and pillows for six beds after learning about the program.
During the past three years, nearly 100 beds have been delivered to needy families, whose children now have a comfortable place to sleep, not only on Christmas Eve, but every night of the year. “What a great gesture,” said Julie. “It’s so nice that people at the College are willing to help.”