College of Wooster helps people get 'Snug in their Beds'

WOOSTER, Ohio - Needy children in Wayne County and surrounding areas were helped by The College of Wooster once again this year. 

For the third year, the "Snug in Their Beds" program provided beds for needy families during December.  This year, 33 children will be sleeping in new beds on Christmas morning.

Julie is a young single mother in Wooster.  She works and goes to school full time to provide for her two boys, ages 6 and 4.

“I just found out about it, and I said, ‘you’re kidding, the College is giving away free beds?'" Julie told the college's Director of Public Information.  "I was really excited, and I wanted to be sure that I didn’t miss the opportunity.”

Families were screened through area social service agencies, and the beds were delivered by volunteers on Saturday, much to the delight of Julie’s two sons, who had been sleeping on undersized mattresses.  Not only did they receive a frame and a mattress, but they also received sheets, blankets, pillows, and even stuffed animals from employees at the College.  Julie’s oldest son received Batman bedding, while her youngest got Toy Story sheets and blankets.

Overall, 14 families received beds - nine in Wooster, two in Orrville, and one each in Millersburg, Holmesville, and West Salem. Bedding was provided by groups of College employees in seven departments, including three in dining services and two in the service center. In addition, 10 individuals, four residence hall communities, and three student organizations donated bedding.  The donors included the mother of a student from Pittsburgh, who teamed up with her co-workers to provide sheets, blankets, and pillows for six beds.

During the past three years, nearly 100 beds have been delivered to needy families, whose children now have a comfortable place to sleep, not only on Christmas Eve, but every night of the year.

“What a great gesture,” said Julie. “It’s so nice that people at the College are willing to help.”