ROCKINGHAM — The parking lot of Grace Fellowship Church was filled with the sounds of saws and drills Saturday as volunteers built beds for children in need of one.
This was the second build in Richmond County for the Sandhills Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace — an organization that has hundreds of chapters across 45 states, including 17 in North Carolina.
“Richmond County has a high number of children that do not have beds to sleep in as their only bed is the floor,” said Betty Gallo McIntyre, who has helped organize the local effort. “We have several teachers on our core team (who) see how poorly children do in school when they do not get a good night's sleep.”
McIntyre, a contributor to the RO, got involved after writing a story on a bed build in Moore County.
The first local build was held in June.
“We had a great build today … and it was so good to see more people getting involved this time, as well as a few more churches,” McIntyre said.
Volunteers included members of Cruzin4Jeeps out of Union County and the youth group from The ROC Church.
McIntyre was worried about the weather, but said “our prayers were definitely answered as the rain held off until right after our build.”
Pieces for 20 twin beds were built on Saturday, with each footboard being branded with the SHP logo.
According to McIntyre, each finished bed costs around $250 which includes materials for construction, a twin mattress, pillow, sheet set and comforter.
Twenty-seven beds have been delivered in Richmond County since June, McIntyre said.
“Our plan is to continue building beds for children as long as the Lord makes a way for us to do so,” she added. “We currently have a great team of core people who help make the builds and deliveries happen.”
In addition to volunteering on the builds, McIntyre said residents can help by making monetary donations or donating bedding sets.
Another local build is planned for the spring of 2026.
To receive a bed, families must meet the following criteria:
The website notes that filling out an application doesn’t guarantee being selected for a bed.
For more information about Sleep in Heavenly Peace or to apply for a bed, visit shpbeds.org.
See addtional photos on the RO's Facebook page, as well as the page for Arco Photography.
