‘Sweet Dreams for Spencer’ - Beds for flood impacted children

Spencer Kiwanis After Five have partnered with Basil and Mildred Deegan Children’s Theatre to provide mattresses and beds in a program called “Sweet Dreams for Spencer.” The program, funded by a grant from the Clay County Community Foundation, is supported by local businesses.

Applications can be found at the Spencer Community Theatre box office, Spencer Public Library, or at Speed Printers’ offices. Kids from infants to 17 years of age can take advantage. Eligible applicants will receive a twin or full size mattress, a bed frame and headboard, bedding, a book and a stuffed tiger.

“One of the big things for us was to try to put the money back into the community as much as possible,” Alisha Bernardy, school counselor and Kiwanian, said.

A few years ago, she read an essay from a fourth grader at Lincoln Elementary about how a bed would make her days better. Since reading that, Bernardy has wanted to help kids throughout her community find a safe place to stay at night.

“Once I heard about the funding, I had the idea. My idea was just to get kids a bed and a simple frame, but that’s when he took my little dirty plant and grew it into this beautiful rose bush,” Bernardy said.
 
TJ Johnson, president of the Kiwanis After Five, has been eager to get flood assistance flowing from its members.

“It made a lot of sense that if these kids lost everything, and if we’re going to do a program, let’s do one that’s going to try to get as much replaced as possible, so that’s been the intent.”

Although the project was conceived a few days before launch, it has already received a $5,000 anonymous donation.

“Anyone can donate money, of course, and we’ll take it because any money that’s donated is more beds we can buy and then we may be able to take it beyond the beds,” Bernardy said.

Connie Goeken, volunteer at SCT, was eager to be involved with a project like this one.

“For kids, a bed is a security thing, so losing that is really significant.”

By working together with the whole community, Johnson hopes beds will be available by September 1. They are also willing to hold mattresses for as long as they need, since many families’ homes may not be move-in ready by that date.

“There’s something healing when you get something brand new and you can get it out of its package, there is an experiential piece that can make a good memory out of a bad one for kids,” Johnson said.

As of July 16, the effort had already received 27 applicants.

“If we can provide a kind reminder of the good things that happen and the good things that we are doing during these hard times, I think that will be valuable for the kid when they grow up. During these types of events, a little comfort goes a long way,” Johnson said.

Monetary donations will be accepted through the CCCF, or by writing a check to Kiwanis After Five or Spencer Community Theatre, specifying it go to “Sweet Dreams.”

Kiwanis After Five will also need volunteers to build headboards.

For questions about qualifications, or to offer assistance, may contact TJ Johnson at 612-548-1603 or Alisha Bernardy at 612-524-9402.