No child should sleep on the floor.
That simple message is behind an effort this weekend to connect local families with a resource that has quietly been making a difference for years.
The Flandreau-based Knights of Columbus Council 5029, serving Catholic parishes in Flandreau, Colman and Elkton, will host an open house from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the CCD Center next to St. Simon & Jude Catholic Church.
The goal: help families sign up for free beds through Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a national nonprofit designed to ensure children have a safe place to sleep.
Local Grand Knight Dean Elverud said volunteers remain active behind the scenes — including a recent trip to Brookings where they helped build 97 beds — but deliveries haven’t reached the Flandreau area in some time.
“We feel like there are families here that could really use this,” Elverud said.
“Their whole goal is that no child sleeps on the floor.”
Flyers in both English and Spanish will be posted throughout the area this week, Elverud said. He’s encouraging everyone to watch for them and share the information with those who might benefit.
Founded in 2012, Sleep in Heavenly Peace has grown to more than 380 chapters worldwide and has delivered over 340,000 beds to children who might otherwise be sleeping on floors, couches or shared spaces.
Locally, Knights say Saturday’s event is about closing the gap — connecting Moody County area families in need with beds that are built, delivered and set up at no cost.
Volunteers will be on site with computers to help families complete applications and answer questions. Community members interested in helping are also encouraged to stop by.
“It’s about making sure every child has a bed,” Elverud said.
“We’re just helping make that happen.”
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