It all started when a young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up, and throw it back into the ocean. People watched her with amusement.
She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!”
The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied,
“Well, I made a difference for that one!”
The old man looked at the girl inquisitively and thought about what she had done and said. Inspired, he joined the little girl in throwing starfish back into the sea. Soon others joined, and all the starfish were saved.
We have always been able to make a difference for that "One," but imagine as a community if we work together maybe we could save them all.
“Beds for Kids” serves the children of Linn, Benton, and surrounding counties. Studies have shown that children who get a good night’s sleep in a bed of their own do better in school physically and mentally. In order for us to help these children get a proper night’s sleep, we are asking for your help.
A $60 donation is as little as it takes to supply a donated bed and bedding, and serving more than 3,000 children a year means we have to raise $180,000 a year to support this single program!
So whether you can donate a bed or the funds to supply a bed we are always in need of your donations!
Watch this local news story about the life changing impact a furniture bank can have on a family. Your donation matters!
Sleep is one of the most important activities we do to boost the quality of all aspects of our lives. However, for the thousands of children living in poverty within our community, who are sleeping without a bed, getting the proper amount of sleep is just not an option. Without enough sleep, these school-aged children experiencing poverty are put at a serious disadvantage and are unable to learn at their full potential. By giving them the ability to get a good night’s sleep they will be one step closer to completing their education and breaking the cycle of poverty. Studies have shown that one of the best ways to break the cycle of poverty is through education and the completion of high school. As well, inadequate sleep when combined with other stress factors, like poverty, can cause higher levels of behavioral problems and put these children at even more of a disadvantage. We need to give school-aged children as many tools as possible to complete and succeed in their education. One of these tools is a bed.
Sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being throughout your life. Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety. The way you feel while you’re awake depends in part on what happens while you’re sleeping. During sleep, your body is working to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health. In children and teens, sleep also helps support growth and development. The damage from sleep deficiency can occur in an instant (such as a car crash), or it can harm you over time. For example, ongoing sleep deficiency can raise your risk for some chronic health problems. It also can affect how well you think, react, work, learn, and get along with others. Sleep helps your brain work properly. While you’re sleeping, your brain is preparing for the next day. It’s forming new pathways to help you learn and remember information.
Here are some facts about the importance of sleep as well as information about the effects of poverty on children and their education:
Education has been shown to be the best way to break the cycle of poverty. Getting a good night’s sleep is necessary for a child to perform well at school and give them the tools to succeed!
Furniture Share's ability to serve the community relies on the generosity and active participation of the local businesses and individuals. We are a 501(c)(3) organiztion. We appreciate any way you can help.
Drop off furniture and houseware donations or arrange a pickup.
Most of our events and fundraisers are entirely staffed by volunteers.
One time and reoccuring donations are critical to our operation.
Contribute and get noticed to help bring customers to your business.
1,952 Beds Provided
3,812 Families Served
517 Veterans Served