March 23rd, 2024
This bed delivery was sponsored by Vincennes University. They were gracious enough to donate the cost of two beds to help local children in need. We thought it would be a good idea to use the donation for Gibson County and Knox County. Last month was Gibson, this month is Knox. Thank you Vincennes University, it’s donations like yours that make a difference in children’s lives.
After April’s delivery, the Bed Committee decided to help a 13 year old girl from Knox County. As always, I called the parent to get a little information on what kind of bedding the child would like. I learned that the girl’s favorite colors are purple and pink. Since she is a little older, we thought she would like something more “grown up.”
I’ve found that I like to deliver early in the month so it gives us time to work on the next bed. In March, I just so happened to schedule a vacation early in the month. Between work and family stuff, we didn’t quite get the bed finished before I had to leave. Needless to say, as soon as I got back from vacation, I worked quickly to finish the bed. Once the bed was done, I went to pick up all the bedding. I chose a purple and white stripped bedding set, which I think she will love! I let Kendra Dewig , the lady who makes the amazing custom embroidered blankets, know about the girls name and favorite color.
While I was completing the final touches on the bed, I was contacted by Bobby and Laura Kern, parents of Lucas. Apparently every year Lucas, a XX year old boy, organizes a yard sale. He gives all the proceeds to charity. Laura contacted me and asked if Lucas could donate to Dream Builders of Indiana. Of Course my answer was an astounding, “Yes!” Laura told me that Lucas had chosen Dream Builders of Indiana and 911 Gives Hope for this years charity. I was floored. The heart of this little boy is solid gold. Bobby and Laura are doing something right raising this boy. Laura works for One Main Financial, who said they are going to match what Lucas raises. Laura also told me that Lucas wants to help build a bed. We are going to make that happen! Just wow!
Personally, I want to have everything in hand before I call to deliver. It would absolutely crush me if I called to schedule a delivery and something happened and we couldn’t keep the appointment. I called the parent to get a delivery time all set up. After the delivery was scheduled, I put the feelers out for people to help. I reached out to Bobby and Lucas and they were all about helping. Matt Vice President Perry agreed to help, and the best helper ever… my boy.
DELIVERY DAY!! Everyone arrived at my house and we loaded up the bed frame, the mattress, the mattress protector, the bed in the bag, and the pillows. Off to Knox County we go!
We made it and all walked up to the front door to make our introductions. We met Emma and her mom. We could all see how excited Emma was. She walked us to her room, where we had to move a dresser to make room for her new bed. Once enough space was made, we all started bringing in the bed stuff. Immediately we started putting together the bed and Emma was all over watching us.
After the bed frame was put together, I kicked Emma out of her room. I told her that the rest was going to be a surprise and I’ll get her when its all done so she went to the living room to wait. That’s when we started with the mattress and making her brand new bed. This is when I realized a HUGE mistake I made. I can’t believe I did this. I forgot Emma’s custom embroidered blanket at home. UGH.
So, moving on from my mistake… My boy went to get Emma while I positioned myself to get a reaction video. When Emma walked in the excitement and joy on her face was amazing! Check out our Facebook page to see that video. The first thing Emma said was, “Oh, I love it!” She said it was so pretty and again, that she loved it. This reaction is why we do this. Bringing joy and happiness to children who need it most is the reason!
I explained to Emma and her mom that I had one more thing for them, BUT I forgot it at home. I scheduled another delivery day to bring the super soft blanket. Emma didn’t seem too worried… she just got a brand new bed that she loves!
We said our goodbyes and all walked out to the cars. Lucas had a surprise for me. He handed me a donation check. I glanced at it just long enough to see what it was. Initially I saw $83.00, and thought WOW! He did really well at his yard sell. We took some pictures of us all together. It was after the pictures when I looked at the check again. OH MY GOSH. it wasn’t $83.00… it was EIGHT HUNDRED AND THIRTY DOLLARS!!! This was our largest donation so far. We are going to be able to help so many more local kids! To say this was amazing is an understatement. After we left, Laura reached out. One Main Financial is going to donate $750 to Dream Builders of Indiana. We are truly blessed in this journey.
March 25th I returned and gave Emma her custom embroidered blanket. Mrs. Kendra really goes all out on these. After she embroiders them, she rolls them up and ties a ribbon around them, then she puts them in a nice bag with a handle. Emma took the blanket out of the bag, took the ribbon off, and immediately put the blanket around her and cuddled into it. I understand that reaction, because that is EXACTLY what I want to do with every blanket I give away. Maybe one day Mrs. Kendra will make me one… hint, hint.
Reading these blogs it’s easy to see how God is working through us. This is our mission… helping local children in need, one bed at a time. Will you join us?