It was a natural transition for Janelle and Leo Boutte of Marble Falls to join the Sleep in Heavenly Peace-TX Hill Country (SHP) chapter four years ago.
Since 2016, the Bouttes have been involved with CASA of the Highland Lakes, and helping provide a brand-new bed and bedding for a child was a way to further provide dignity and comfort to a young person.
“We had many interactions with CASA kids who did not have anything. This seemed like a perfect fit in helping them,” said Leo Boutte, co-president of the organization.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace-TX Hill Country is partnering with Sharing the Harvest (STH) on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 8:30 a.m., in the food pantry’s warehouse to build 15 more beds.
The organization is dependent on the time and treasures of donors and volunteers.
Each bed is built according to national SHP standards, and anyone can help with no experience needed. “We build twin beds or bunk beds for children ages 3 to 17 years old. The only requirement to receive one is not having a proper bed,” Leo shared. “The designs are set in stone and directions are easyto- follow in our assembly line system.”
As a chapter of the national Sleep in Heavenly Peace, started in Idaho about 13 years ago, the Hill Country chapter is one of 444 chapters across the United States.
Janelle Boutte serves as delivery manager for the area which covers Burnet and Llano counties, part of Blanco and part of Lampasas.
“We have delivered 404 beds to date. Of those, 125 (31%) were in Kingsland, 20% in Marble Falls, and 18% in Burnet,” said Janelle. “There was a surge in online requests several months ago, which has depleted our inventory.”
Sharing Harvest Executive Director Cynthia Green first connected with Leo Boutte when he spoke at the Daybreak Rotary Club in Marble Falls.
He talked with her about STH providing a contact point for clients needing SHP’s services.
The connection to finding a new location in which to build beds during the wintry weather happened when Green offered the pantry warehouse for the next bed-building.
“Sharing the Harvest is so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Sleep in Heavenly Peace for our Hill Country region,” said Green. “Come on out to Sharing the Harvest and lend a hand for a child’s good night sleep.”
To donate or volunteer with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, go to www.shpbeds.org, and be sure and specify local “TX Hill Country” chapter.
Volunteers also welcome to bring donations on Jan. 31. To purchase much-needed new bedding, go to www.amazon. com, search “Janelle Boutte” and click on “SHP Hill Country.”
Sharing the Harvest is Kingsland’s premiere food pantry, located at 2430 Rose Hill Drive, nourishing lives together, one meal at a time.
To find out more about food pantry hours and volunteering, go to https://www.sharingtheharvestkingsland. com/.
