Despite rumors, Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bend Chapter staying open, with a Valentine’s Day bed build planned

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Despite community rumors that the Central Oregon Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) might close, the organization’s CEO, Bob Mickelsen, confirmed to KTVZ News that the chapter is staying open and busier than ever.

In fact, a special Valentine’s Day Bed Build is on the calendar for Saturday, February 14, bringing together volunteers from the Sisters Rotary Club and the Sisters Kiwanis Club. The groups plan to construct 35 beds for local children in need, each one complete with a homemade quilt.

“This is truly a community effort,” said Hal Darcey, Bed Build Project Chair for Sisters Rotary. “Rotary and Kiwanis are joining together to make sure every kid in our community has a bed of their own.”

Darcey added that the project offers something beyond the practical: “Volunteering with SHP provides the opportunity to meet wonderful people in your community. Rubbing shoulders with complete strangers while building a bed for a child in need can turn into lifelong friendships — all focused on one goal: helping children sleep in heavenly peace.”

Up to 50 volunteers are expected to gather at the Earthwood Development site at 148 Sisters Park Drive, which was donated for the day. Lumber and building supplies are being provided by Hoyt’s Hardware and Building Supply in Sisters at a discounted rate.

Kiwanian Jeff Taylor said his group is proud to partner with Rotary for the project: “Our community is better when we all work together. As Sleep in Heavenly Peace says, ‘No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!’”

Adding a creative touch to the build, members of both clubs are coordinating a “quilt per bed” initiative led by Sisters Rotarian and local quilter Julie Fugate.

“So far, almost 20 quilts have been donated from quilters across Central Oregon,” Fugate said. “They’re all twin size — about 68 by 82 inches — and include everything from modern designs to traditional favorites.”

Those interested in donating a quilt or learning more can contact Fugate at FinishFairyQuilting@gmail.com.

The Rotary Club of Sisters, a nonprofit of 37 community leaders, continues its long tradition of service through local and international Rotary initiatives. And Sleep in Heavenly Peace remains committed to its mission: reminding everyone that a bed is a basic need — and that every child deserves one.