Staff Report

Photo by Debbie Miller

More than 50 volunteers came together Oct. 21 to build beds for children in need.

NWACC’s Workforce and Economic Development Division and Service Learning programs partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to construct the beds. Volunteers included staff, faculty, students and the public.

Space in the Evelyn E. Jorgenson Integrated Design Lab was transformed into a construction site bustling with activity as volunteers sawed and hammered to construct 27 beds in four hours, according to information  provided from the workforce division. All building materials and tools were provided, and the project was funded by the NWACC Foundation and private construction donors.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a nonprofit organization, and the regional chapter serving Benton and Washington counties is a 100 percent volunteer organization, according to the website, https://shpbeds.org/chapter/ar-bentonville/. Donations stay in the community, and all funds are used to build and deliver our fully furnished beds to children. The organization’s expenses include tools, lumber and hardware for Build Days and new mattresses, bedding and pillows for deliveries, according to the website. 


Sevin Gallo, a full-time faculty member in social sciences, joins other volunteers in preparing the lumber that will be used to make beds during the build day.