Sleep Dreams initiative gives new beds to 32 Clark children
Published 11:12 am Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Leighland Moore poses for a photo with The Grinch during the Sleep Dreams event Saturday at Conkwright Elementary School.
Aiden Vaird poses for a photo with The Grinch during the Sleep Dreams event Saturday at Conkwright Elementary School.
Dylan Brown hangs off the side of his new bed during the Sleep Dreams event Saturday at Conkwright Elementary School.
The Grinch plays "Patty Cake" with Destiny Holder atop her new bed during the Sleep Dreams event Saturday at Conkwright Elementary School.
Kiley Brewer snuggles under the covers of her new bed during the Sleep Dreams event Saturday at Conkwright Elementary School.
Ramel Cook lies on his new bed during the Sleep Dreams event Saturday at Conkwright Elementary School.
Brandon Estes poses for a photo with Spiderman during the Sleep Dreams event Saturday at Conkwright Elementary School.
Jessica Durphy, the main organizer of the Sleep Dreams event, sits with Destiny Holder on her new bed Saturday at Conkwright Elementary School.
As of Saturday, 32 more children now have a bed to call their own.
The Williams Agency, in partnership with The Terf Project and Leggett and Platt, hosted its first Sleep Dreams event.
One student, enthused with her new bed, didn’t leave it the entire night, Jessica Durphy, life and health specialist at the agency, said.
“She didn’t leave her bed the whole night,” Durphy said. “She never got once out of her bed. As soon as she jumped in, she never left the bed. She put her pajamas on and snuggled in underneath her blankets. That to me was precious.”
Durphy said Sleep Dreams gave away beds as well as new bedding, a stuffed animal and a bag of goodies to 32 children. Conkwright Principal Julie Bonfield coordinated the selection of the students.
“it was just awesome, such a wonderful, wonderful night,” Durphy said.
Superior Home Improvement and Freedom Realty helped deliver the beds to each household for those children.
Clark County families who attended the event also enjoyed bounce houses, games and a movie in addition to the children cuddling up in their new beds.
The Grinch, Spiderman, Santa Claus and a few princesses also made appearances at the event. Williams Agency provided pizza for Sleep Dreams.
Durphy previously told The Sun she purchased the mattresses at the Family Emporium downtown and Bargains on Broadway provided discounts on bulk items. Leggett and Platt donated the box springs and frames.
Durphy said several student-groups and teachers came together to volunteer for Saturday’s event.
Other businesses and individuals gave a financial contribution to help pay for the event and provided a bed in the bag for one of the many children in need. Any leftover funds or items will go toward next year’s event.
Next year, Durphy said she hopes to expand the project to another school.
The Terf Project is a nonprofit in Mount Sterling dedicated to helping youth achieve their goals and dreams by supporting various programs.
Durphy said the Terf Project had done a similar event in Montgomery County for about three years; she had helped with the program there and wanted to bring it to Clark County.
Durphy said one student at Saturday’s event told her the new bed would much more comfortable than the floor.
“To these kids, normal was sleeping on the floor,” Durphy said.
Now, 32 students are finding a new normal.
“I want them to experience what it’s like to sleep in a bed that’s yours,” Durphy said.
About Lashana Harney
Lashana Harney is a reporter for The Winchester Sun. Her beats include schools and education, business and commerce, Winchester Municipal Utilities and other news. To contact her, email lashana.harney@winchestersun.com or call 859-759-0015.
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