ROCKINGHAM — Sleep in Heavenly Peace hit a milestone on Saturday, having put together 100 beds within the past year.
This past weekend’s build, hosted by Redland Acres, was the sixth since the Sandhills chapter of SHP started building beds for Richmond County children in June of 2025.
Volunteers from several local churches — including New Hope Church and McLean Presbyterian — weathered the late-morning storm by working under a shelter behind the venue — cutting, drilling, sanding and staining 20 wooden bed frames.
Betty Gallo McIntyre, coordinator for the Richmond County builds, said the total beds built by the time they finished was 110.
McIntyre became involved with the organization after writing a story for the RO about a bed build in Seven Lakes, just two months before the first local effort at Grace Fellowship Church.
Although the 100th local bed wasn’t built until this past weekend, McIntyre said 100 beds have already been delivered across Richmond County. She added that Tom Bourne, president of the Sandhills chapter, had previously donated some that were built in Moore County.
All beds built in Richmond County go to children in the county.
“It’s heartbreaking, some of the homes that we deliver to,” McIntyre said. “But they’re happy. The kids are excited to help us bring the pieces of the beds in — especially when they get the bedding.”
Each finished bed costs around $250, which includes materials for construction, a twin mattress, pillow, sheet set and comforter.
McIntyre said a lot of businesses, churches and individuals have made contributions to the cause, including hosting bed-in-a-bag drives.
McIntyre said SHP plans to take a break during the summer months because of the heat, but will resume building in September. However, they will still be making deliveries.
“We already have three churches that are ready to jump on the build with us,” she said.
SHP has hundreds of chapters across the U.S., including 20 in North Carolina. The organization’s motto is: “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!”
To receive a bed, families must meet the following criteria:
For more information on contributing, contact McIntyre through Facebook. For more information about Sleep in Heavenly Peace or to apply for a bed, visit shpbeds.org.
