‘Snug in Their Beds’ Program Ensures a Good Night’s Sleep for Area Children

College of Wooster “elves” deliver 25 beds to children in Wayne County

WOOSTER, Ohio — Angelique and her twin brothers — Sean and Seth — are sleeping better than ever these day because for the first time in months, all three have a bed of their own.

The beds were delivered last Friday, courtesy of The College of Wooster’s “Snug in Their Beds” program, which donates bed frames, mattresses, sheets, blankets, and pillows to area families in need each December.

“It’s our way of meeting a pressing need in the community,” said Christie Kracker, associate dean of students at Wooster and one of the coordinators of the program. The College provides the bed frames and mattresses, and employees donate the bedding. In addition, Sealy graciously provided corporate sponsorship this year, donating 15 mattresses and making 11 others available at a reduced rate. During the past four years,125 beds have been distributed through the program.

In what turned out to be the final delivery last week, College “elves,” decked out in bright red, long-sleeve t-shirts, arrived shortly before 4 p.m., much to the delight of the three children. Angelique (14) received a pink floral comforter, while the twins (12) got matching plaid designs. All three received a story book as well.

“This really helps me out quite a bit,” said the children’s mother, Christine. “It’s especially good for the boys, who have sleep apnea.”

The twins showed no signs of fatigue, however, when presented with the unexpected and early arriving gifts. “Cool” was Sean’s simple one-word response as he and Seth rough-housed down the staircase and into the living room.

But when the beds were finally set into place and wrapped up in the new bedding, it was clear that the three children were deeply touched by the gesture of kindness. Angelique wasted no time climbing into her bed, stretching out, and saying, “this is great.”

Overall, 25 beds were delivered on Friday, and later this week, on the night before Christmas, many of those children might just borrow the last line from Clement Clarke Moore’s epic poem before they close their eyes, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”