HURON — The historic first bed build has taken place for the newly-formed Sleep in Heavenly Peace - Huron chapter.

“In April, three of us - Tony Lorenze, Torria Howard and myself - went to Lehi, Utah, for training to form our own chapter,” said organizer Barbara Lorenz.

When they returned, the group went to work and on July 22, the first public building held by the Huron chapter took place on the S.D. State Fairgrounds.

“We used our knowledge and training to help volunteers to build 15 beds for folks in the community,” Barbara said.

She is quick to thank those who volunteers, along with the WINGS Foundation, which presented a grant to the chapter to purchase its own set of tools.

“Jenni Hofer has given us a storage space and so many others have supported us with cash donations to purchase wood and mattresses,” she added.

She noted that quilts and sheet sets and pillows have been donated and a donation from the Student United Way - Huron Youth Leadership Council gave a donation to purchase sheets and pillows when needed. 

“We have now delivered 81 beds in Huron,” Barbara said.

Now, when families need a bed, they may choose the Huron Chapter on the Sleep in Heavenly Peace website, and choose the Huron zip code.

“A big thanks too to Brookings, who helped us get started and cheered us from afar!” she said.