Dozens of area children receive new beds at ‘Hope to Dream’ event

DAYTON — Dozens of kids in the Miami Valley learned they will get to sleep in their own, brand new bed tonight.

The Hope to Dream event today was put on by Secret Smiles, The United Way of Greater Dayton, Morris Furniture and Ashley Furniture.

The event gave 75 children and their families new beds, including a mattress, bed frame, pillows and a comforter.

The kids also got new sheets, a meal from Chick-Fil-A and school supplies.

Storm Center 7′s Kirstie Zontini was at the event and spoke to those in attendance.

“Absolutely the most rewarding part, to see it happen to see the kids excited about and to know that tonight they will be warm and comfortable and maybe tonight for the first time in their own beds,” Paige Burge, a volunteer and Yellow Springs chief of police said.

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75 children got a new bed Saturday morning.

“She was excited, she was talking about it all morning getting a new bed and sleeping in it tonight,” said Katie Bane who had a family member receive a bed.

Tom Kelly, president and chief executive officer of United Way of the Greater Dayton said that every child should have a safe space to sleep.

“We’ve been a long time partner in bringing collaborative activities to the community this is another example how we can improve the lives of children and families ... Evidence proves by giving kids a safe place to sleep they’ll do better, they’ll be more successful and it helps give their families another asset they need in their households,” Kelly said.

Since 2015 Hope to Dream has gifted more than 125,000 children new beds.

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