Small Bed, Big Difference

Basic Needs
Community

My Very Own Bed program provides new beds for kids moving into more-stable housing in the Twin Cities.

Two smiling young girls hugging on their new bed.

Sleep is one of the most important aspects of a child’s health and development, but new beds and bedding can be expensive. That doesn’t mean a kid should lose out on a good night’s sleep, according to Michael Allen, executive director and founder of the nonprofit, My Very Own Bed.

A Place All Their Own

My Very Own Bed’s mission is to provide new beds and children ages 2-17 in families who have recently moved into more-stable housing in the Twin Cities metro area. With each bed, the nonprofit also provides a “Dream Kit,” which includes a set of sheets, a pillow, a mattress pad, a book, a blanket, and a stuffed animal.

Partnership of Our Dreams

The Affinity Plus University Branch partnered with My Very Own Bed to fundraise for Dream Kits, and the branch donated 60 Dream Kits and the supplies it would take to build 40 more. In total, it provided enough Dream Kits for the program for a month.

“Any donation we receive, I'm always humbled by the generosity of our community,” said Michael Allen. “More importantly, on what it means to me, is what it means to the 100 kids the donations from Affinity provided. The kids have absolutely loved the stuffed animals, comfy blankets, and new sheets. We believe that all children deserve at least a small, comfortable place to call their own, on which to read, to dream, and, most importantly, to get a healthy night’s sleep.”