Children Sleeping in Their Own Beds Thanks to PRECO Foundation Grant

Posted: February 2, 2023 at 4:10 pm

The mission of Beds for Kids, serving Manatee and Sarasota counties, is to support the welfare of children and, when needed, to provide them with beds.

Frequently, area child welfare groups reach out to Beds for Kids when a child needs a bed. It may be due to a child being removed from the home for safety reasons, if the family cannot afford a bed for the child or if a child is co-sleeping with a parent or family member due to a lack of beds.

“Our volunteers sand wood, paint Bible verses on the slats and get each bed ready for delivery,” shares Carla Gallas, Beds for Kids board member. “Once the bed arrives, each child eagerly helps assemble it. Children also receive bed linens, a mattress and pad, a children’s Bible, a tote, a handmade rug and a teddy bear.”

Operation Round Up, Peace River Electric Cooperative’s charitable foundation, recently gave Beds for Kids a $20,000 grant to purchase lumber.

“Increasing lumber costs are a challenge for us, so we are very grateful to Operation Round Up for this generous grant,” adds Gallas.

ORU is funded by the donations of PRECO member-consumers who opt to have their monthly electric bills rounded up to the next dollar. ORU assists individuals and organizations with food, shelter, medical, clothing and education needs.

Learn more about ORU or download an application. To learn more about Beds for Kids or to volunteer, visit B4Kids.org.