“Good night.”
“Buenas noches.”
“Bon lannwit.”
Whether you’re speaking English, Spanish or Haitian, “good night” is a common statement because we know what a restful sleep can do for the next day. A good night’s rest prepares us to take on the challenges of the next day, whether at work, school, or just in daily life.
In the Indianapolis Archdiocese area, hundreds of children and adults sleep on the floor or in chairs each night. Money for food, rent and utilities comes before luxuries such as beds. Yet, the effects of a poor night’s sleep are far-reaching, negatively impacting health, education and overall welfare.
That’s why, this Lent, SVdP Indy is asking each Conference to sponsor a special 40 Days for 40 Beds collection. Last year, during our inaugural 40 Days for 40 Beds collection, SVdP and our Conferences raised funds to purchase more than 1,000 beds!
- What: Beds for children 18 and younger or beds for adults
- Target gift: $100 for one twin bed for a child or $200 for a double/queen bed for adults
- Collection dates: 18 – April 5
How It Works
- The Conference works with the parish pastor or administrator to organize the special collection.
- The Council provides bulletin announcements, pulpit presentations, brochures and collection envelopes to share with your parishioners.
- Collected donations are restricted to buying beds (mattresses + frame if applicable).
- Funds held by the Council are placed in the Mattress Fund account.
- Funds retained by the Conference are restricted to the purchase of beds only and are reported as such in the annual report.
- The neighbor decides which option (twin, full or queen) to choose. Each neighbor can have two twin beds unless the Conference opts for more during an in-person home visit.
- The beds are available from SVdP Indy’s Distribution Center, which has both bed-in-a-box with a frame and airbed options.
- The Distribution Center can purchase beds and frames on demand for a Conference at no additional cost, as long as budget is available.
- Beds can be picked up at the Distribution Center or shipped directly to the Conference (NOT the neighbor).
You can find more information at svdpindy.org/40days, where you can also donate online if you wish. Donation envelopes are also available at the church doors.
