We exceeded our goal - 63 kids get a bed!

On September 13, 2025, our church parking lot was transformed into a bustling build site to make beds for children in the greater Syracuse area. Thanks to two shifts totaling 53 volunteers--and a special shout-out to the 17 dedicated people who worked both shifts--we not only reached our goal of 40 beds, but exceeded it, building 63 beds! 

This project was part of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a national organization whose mission is "No Kid Sleeps On The Floor In Our Town!"  The Syracuse chapter was founded seven years ago, and while it's sad that so many children need beds, it's incredibly heartwarming to see our community come together for this project. Volunteers included many members of Immanuel, along with neighbors and friends of the church.  

There were jobs for everyone: younger members made eight no-sew blankets with Lorlie Wood, while  Chef Sam Paventi and his helpers prepared a tasty lunch for both shifts.  

We were also blessed with some generous surprise donations. A woman who visited our neighborhood last year and purchased bedding after seeing our sign returned this year with four bags of bedding! Our friends at Camillus 1st UMC delivered a car full of bedding and $500 to support the mission.

The total cost to Immanuel to build these beds was $10,000, covering not just the wood, but also mattresses, bedding, and pillows-ensuring that each child can sleep "peacefully" the very night their bed is delivered.  This year's fund came from M2, so a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports this mission.