Swallow Cliff Chapter NSDAR presents Community Service Award

At its December 4th meeting, Swallow Cliff Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, was pleased to present a DAR Community Service Award to a deserving local group. This award is presented to those individuals or groups whose achievements in cultural, educational, humanitarian, patriotic, historical, citizenship, or environmental conservation endeavors, and contributed to the community in an outstanding manner through voluntary heroic, civic, or benevolent service or by organizing or participating in community activities. This year's winner was the local group from Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Founded in 2012 with chapters across the United States and Canada, this organization is made up of volunteers who build beds for those children who don’t have one. Their philosophy is that having a bed is a basic need for the proper physical, emotional and mental support of every child. Disasters such as fires and floods or struggles with domestic violence, finances, or relocation can leave a child without a bed to sleep in at night.

Dave King is the president of the Oak Forest, IL, chapter, whose motto is, “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!.” He has a trained core group that works with other volunteers when they have identified a need in the area and set up a Build Day. Helpers can be young people who want to complete service hours or Scouts or those who just enjoy giving back to their community. At a build in October, the crew of 50 built 12 twin beds and delivered three the next morning. In addition, each bed delivered comes with a new pillow, sheet set and comforter. Donations from individuals and sponsorships from businesses make the projects a reality. In 2020, Sleep in Heavenly Peace was chosen by the Sterk Family Law Group as Charity of the Month for November 2020. In Dave’s words, “I’m almost always at a loss for words every single time. It makes a difference, and we can make a difference here in our local community.” The giving spirit of this organization that addresses such a basic need made Swallow Cliff Chapter proud to nominate Sleep in Heavenly Peace for a DAR Community Service Award. On hand to accept the award were Dave King and volunteer Dale Schmitz.