Many children of under resourced families in the Central Savannah River Area do not have a bed of their own. To this end, the Family YMCA of Greater Augusta developed the program "A Place to Dream," which helps these children in the CSRA get the sleep they need.
 
Mercedes-Benz of Augusta gladly and proudly joins this noble effort. Mercedes-Benz of Augusta and will host an official press conference on Tuesday, January 9, 2018, 10 a.m. at Mercedes-Benz of Augusta located at 3061 Washington Road announcing its support of the program.
 
The CSRA has many social service agencies which aid low-income families obtain housing. However, few have the ability or resources to help these families turn this housing into a fully functional home. Thus, family members are often forced to sleep on the floor, on a sofa, on an air mattress, or several members trying to fit into the only bed they could obtain.
 
Fortunately, now the YMCA through a unique partnership with the Augusta and North Augusta Housing Authorities, has created “A Place to Dream” to help solve this problem and meet the widespread needs.
 
"Most of us take our beds for granted, but there exist area children who can only wish they had one. Mercedes-Benz of Augusta proudly joins the Family YMCA of Greater Augusta in helping these kids achieve this dream. We urge the community to join us, as well. Let's give these kids a suitable bed to call their own," said Nate Cartwright, Mercedes-Benz of Augusta General Manager.  "No donation is too small and every penny helps. Please, donate. No child should be without a bed," he added.
 
Recent published studies show the relation between poor sleep and cognitive, physical and behavioral health issues. These studies have demonstrated that people who do not get enough quality sleep have poor concentration, weaker immune systems, and are at a greater risk of developing obesity, diabetes, high-blood pressure and heart disease.
 
Families receive beds via an application process with area social service agencies. Started initially in November of 2017 with already more than 125 beds delivered in Richmond County and North Augusta, plans are underway to expand the program throughout the CSRA as resources and volunteer manpower will allow, with an annual goal of more than 500 beds.  There is already a waiting list of over 100 families.

“Our children deserve a good night’s sleep in a decent, comfortable bed,” says Danny McConnell, President/CEO.  “With the support of our business partners, the Housing Authority and the generosity of this community, children without a proper bed can begin sleeping in a brand new one with new linens and pillows for only $250 each.  That’s delivered, set up and spruced up by our volunteers right in their own home.  It’s amazing what a simple thing like a bed can do to positively impact a child’s daily life and health.”
 
“When I heard about A Place to Dream, we wanted to help the effort in any way we could,” says Dan Holloway, President, Merit Flooring.  “I told the Y we would provide as much warehouse space as they needed to store the beds, the trucks to make the deliveries, and the manpower to assemble and set up the beds.  That’s the least we could do to help the children of these families.  Every child deserves a good night’s sleep, which is basic for their health, school performance and their overall well-being.”
 
Mattresses will be provided by Badcock Home Furnishings of Thomson, GA at a significantly reduced price.  Harrison Gresham, owner, says, “It was an easy decision for us to step up and get involved with A Place To Dream. Not only can we help to provide the mattresses, but we want to tell our customers about the program and how they can help, either to sponsor a bed or as a volunteer during delivery days.  It’s exciting to know that we can be a part of this simple provision for these families that is so vital.”
 
Here’s how you can make A Place To Dream Possible:
 
Spread the word to friends and family

Sponsor a bed for $250 each, which includes new linens

If you’re an area business, join the effort and include your employees

Work as a volunteer on delivery days to help with bed set-up

Host a new linens donation drive at your school or church (TWIN sheet sets, comforters/blankets, and pillows. All must be new.)
 
To donate or volunteer, log on to www.aplacetodreamaugusta.org.