My Very Own Bed - Mike Allen
Host: LaDonna Hoy
Mike Allen, founder of My Very Own Bed, visited Wayzata Rotary and shared how his late father had an impact on his childhood and into adulthood around helping those less fortunate in the community. Originally named "Boom Boom" after his father's pet nick name reference, he renamed his start up "My Very Own Bed" and works tirelessly to help children who have recently been resettled into new housing after experiencing homelessness to get a bed to sleep in. Many families are not able to afford furnishing housing one in new housing and Mike wanted to focus on the kids. He firmly believes that getting a good night's sleep is critical to good emotional and physical growth for children. "Kids get bigger when they get better!"The core values of his company: relationships first, get better before you get bigger, focus on excellence, and compassion and dignity for the families served. The agency charges $25 for delivery of a bed and "Dream Pack" so that the families have a sense of dignity in setting up their new spaces and the fee helps teach responsibility to the children. Mike delivers beds each Saturday and the agency has some terrific volunteer opportunities for the community to get involved.
Delivery Volunteer: This is a wonderful opportunity for families with kids, individuals, teams, youth groups and work groups to deliver beds and Dream kits. Volunteers assemble Dream Kits (pictured) and then deliver the beds to families. Time commitment is 2-3 hours.
Donation Drive Volunteer: Organize a donation drive. Collect sheets, blankets, and pillows with our donation collection boxes.
Blanket-Making Volunteer: Groups and individuals could make tie-blankets, quilts, or crochet blankets, and put together blankets for children.
This would be a fantastic Rotary volunteer opportunity. If you are interested in helping, see Shelley to let her know you are interested. She will help organize a volunteer event for the club. (See flyer below for the upcoming "Bed Race" on May 19.)
