Community group provides five new mattresses to family in need

A good night’s sleep is invaluable, especially for a child. Tuesday, a community group provided five new mattresses to a family in need – while teaching young volunteers about the meaning of giving.

“With the rising cost of living, to have this opportunity just to be able to help her out like that, it’s just really good,” said Eric Owens, a volunteer with CommUNITY204, who helps mentor youth.

Tuesday, CommUNITY204 along with Daerion Hidalgo, 10, and Dayvon McIvor, 11, spent their lunch hour break from school ensuring single mother Alexia Legere’s children sleep soundly tonight.

“We were helping out a person in need with their family and giving them beds – giving them a better place to sleep and comfort because we all deserve like – a safe place to sleep and a safe place just to be in,” said Hidalgo.

Community group provides five new mattresses to family in need. (Photo Credit: CityNews)

“I just want to make a change in the world – doing this – helping other people, helps me in ways,” added McIvor.

Legere saying, “I could not afford five new beds for my kids. It would take years for me to get everyone a brand new bed so this is great that everyone has one at once and nobody has to fight over who has a brand new bed.”

The beds come from the community. Charitable donors buy new beds, and companies give any surplus they have. CommUNITY204 has given out 64 beds so far this year.

Community group provides five new mattresses to family in need. (Photo Credit: CityNews)

“These kids and these families are getting something they’ve always deserved, but don’t always have access to. Mattresses go from like 3 to 15 hundred dollars a piece without a box spring right – so it’s important for us to give the folks dignified possessions that they’re entitled to,” explained CommUNITY204 Founder Daniel Hidalgo.

Daniel Hidalgo is hoping to teach all youth the benefits of community and implores others to help each other, especially while the world recovers from a tough three years.

“It’s one thing me and my children always do is give back to the community, they help at soups, I work at a homeless shelter – so we’re constantly giving back,” said Legere.

McIvor adding, “It tells me to be grateful for all the stuff I have and appreciate everything because there are kids who don’t have stuff like this… and my dad just teaches me to appreciate everything and give back to people when I can.”

Hidalgo says they’re always looking for new volunteers, but says you don’t have to join a group to give back to your community.