United Way of Susquehanna County Announces Launch of “Rested and Ready” New Bed Campaign for School-Aged Children
{New Milford, PA} United Way of Susquehanna County in partnership with Interfaith, Forest City Salvation Army Service Center, Women’s Resource Center, CEO Weinberg North East Regional Food Bank, and the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains wants to help dozens of children get a better night sleep and is seeking support from the community. The organization is launching “Rested and Ready”, a bed initiative, and it’s latest effort to help school-age children.
“Since starting our ‘Helping Children Do Well’ strategy to aid in improving the odds of success for at-risk children in Susquehanna County, we have been working closely with community partners including school nurses, guidance counselors, resource officers, and nonprofit community agencies on a number of key programs,” stated Kim Merithew, Director of Corporate and Community Giving for United Way of Susquehanna County. “Through our community outreach, we have learned that there are far too many children not getting a good night’s rest because they are sleeping on couches, sharing beds with siblings, and even sleeping on the floor. It is hard to stay focused in school when you haven’t slept well night after night and we are looking to help”, Merithew said.
The United Way is setting a maximum goal of twenty (20) beds and will waitlist should demand to exceed bed requests.
Through the generosity of our donors, United Way has purchased new mattresses, box springs, and bed frames and will be giving those to eligible children, ages 5 to 17, who do not have their own bed. In addition, each child will receive a slumber package to include, sheets, blanket, pillow, pajamas, slippers, hygiene items, age-appropriate book, night light, and laundry detergent, all part of a restful night’s sleep.
Families of children in need of a bed can contact one of the following agencies now through Friday, November 19th who will gather general information regarding the child’s need for a bed and make arrangements for delivery:
- Interfaith-570-278-1776
- CEO\Weinberg North East Regional Food Bank county outreach (570) 550-1594 (call or text)
- Forest City Salvation Army Service Center-570-785-4357
- Women’s Resource Center-800-257-5765 or 570-278-1800
Priority will be given to children who are sleeping on floors or couches or sharing a bed. Anyone wishing to support the “Rested and Ready” initiative with a monetary donation may do so by contacting the United Way of Susquehanna County at 570-465-3868 or email at unitedwayofsusquehannacounty.org.