YMCA hits milestone in effort to bring beds to kids in need

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The YMCA on Friday gave out its 2,000th bed as part of its “A Place to Dream” program.

The program provides beds to children in need across the region.

With the delivery of six beds to a family on Friday, the program reached a milestone.

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Each bed included a frame, mattress, linens, blanket, a stuffed animal, Bible and a bag of healthy snacks.

Volunteers with the Augusta Fire Department helped build the beds for the children.

The family’s house was also painted for free, plus the team installed smoke detectors and brought new lightbulbs.

“I heard about the bed program. I asked if I could paint some of the rooms that the beds are going into. They said it was a great idea. So, we started with this first one. What best way to get a new bed and have your room painted,” said Luis Lopez with Elite Painting Group, LLC.

The family also got supplies for Thanksgiving as well as an entire Christmas tree.

Volunteers decorated the tree with the family.

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Since 2017, the program has been providing beds to children in need across the CSRA.

“When we launched A Place to Dream, we never imagined how quickly it would grow or how deep the need truly was. Reaching this milestone of 2,000 beds is a testament to the generosity of our community and the hard work of our volunteers,” said Danny McConnell, President and CEO, Family YMCA of Greater Augusta.

The Y partners with area housing authorities to identify families in need, and then deliveries are coordinated by nine YMCA locations alongside dedicated teams of volunteers.

The Y says it’s seen a large increase in need since Hurricane Helene swept through the region on Sept. 27.

To donate or volunteer, visit www.aplacetodreamaugusta.org.