Slumberland, Knights of Columbus, The Salvation Army: Giving Kids a Good Night’s Sleep

It’s something most people take for granted.

A good night’s sleep.

But a bed doesn’t always fit in the family budget.

That is where Slumberland, The Salvation Army and Knights of Columbus come in.

Two–year old Rollin can’t stop smiling because Santa came a little early.

But instead of a sleigh full of toys, Santa’s helpers are bringing Rollin a brand new bed.

“I’m out of words I don’t know what to say,” says Rollin’s father, Abraham Snetter.

Eight months ago Abraham and his family picked up everything they had and made the trip from Africa to the United States.

“We lost everything in Africa and came here to start over. It’s been difficult for us ya know,” says Snetter.

But Abraham still feels pretty lucky. He’s one of the 32 families chosen this year to get a brand new bed.

“We had over 90 kids to choose from for who was going to receive the beds,” says Pathway of Hope Case Manager, Julie Rivenes.

And along with every bed comes a handmade quilt.

For the past five years Vicki Meyers has made quilts for every child receiving a bed.

“We all want Vicki’s memory to live forever,” says Vicki’s mom, Shirley Hill.

On September 11th, Vicki lost her battle to cancer.

“This year it was her main concern that they all get done and they did,” says Hill.

It’s more than Abraham could ask for.

“Abraham is so driven and so grateful for everything he receives,” says Rivenes.

Once an engineer, now he works as a janitor, the only job he could get. But just like his son, Abraham can’t stop smiling.

“We got a lot. Thank God for this,” says Snetter.

With such a need, the Salvation Army has to choose who gets a bed.

To narrow it down, they try to choose kids who are in the most developmental stage.

Young babies and kids who will soon leave the household may not be chosen.