For a decade, the West Bloomington Revitalization Project’s Bed Blitz Program has been building beds for local children, many of whom previously had no bed to call their own.
“We see the excitement right on these kid’s faces, followed by the happy tears of mom or dad that they're gonna know that tonight their kiddo, maybe for the first time, will be able to sleep in a bed,” Bed Blitz Program Co-Chairman and Co-Founder Robert Bosquez said.
On Oct. 17 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., volunteers from throughout the Bloomington-Normal community will gather at YouthBuild McLean County to construct 130 beds.
“It's a feel-good day,” Bosquez said.
Each bed kit comes with a custom built frame, a mattress, sheets, pillows, a blanket, a stuffed animal, a hygiene kit and laundry detergent.
After this year, Bed Blitz will have given away over 1,200 of these bed kits free of charge in Bloomington-Normal.
Bed Blitz received over 200 applications for a bed kit this year. Bed Blitz’s applicant selection process prioritizes need, making sure that every child applicant that has no bed at all receives a bed.
All 170 volunteer sign-up spots have been filled. Bosquez estimated that at least 250 volunteers walk through the door on the Bed Blitz volunteer day, including set up and tear down volunteers and delivery drivers.
To show appreciation for volunteers, Book'd N Brewed by Leti will provide volunteers with coffee in the morning from a coffee cart.
“We just really want to celebrate Bloomington-Normal and all our volunteers,” Bosquez said. “This is a great community. Whenever there is a need, Bloomington-Normal and whoever lives here always fulfills and comes to our community's aid in times of need.”
According to Bosquez, this program provides more than just a bed; it provides a safe and personal space for a child to get a good night’s rest, which leads to a better social life and improved productivity in the classroom.
“Everything is very expensive. We know families are struggling, so if we can give that comfort to families where they don't have to worry about a bed, that would make us feel good,” Bosquez said.
10 years ago, co-founders Bosquez, Nancy Stone and Ryan Heeron launched the program, starting with a goal of building 40 beds. With over 100 applicants, Bed Blitz decided to make the program annual.
“That told us right then and there, hey, this is a need here in Bloomington-Normal, so let's keep on trying to do what we can,” Bosquez said.
Since then, Bed Blitz has been able to add more beds every year. Forty percent of current applications are from kids that have no bed at all.
No experience is required for volunteers. The only requirement is that all volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Bosquez said the cost per bed kits is $1,200. These kits are provided for free thanks to donations from local businesses and the community.
Donations can be made online at westbloomington.org/bed-blitz.
