Tag: Luke Mickelson

photo above courtesy of bing/lukemickelson/shp

“No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town”

This is the motto of Luke Mickelson, whom founded the non-profit organization “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” and since its start in 2012, that motto has lived up to its standard.

Before founding ‘Sleep in Heavenly Peace’ a.k.a SHP, Luke Mickelson had a great life; a beautiful family and  booming career. He coached his children’s sports team, was an avid church goer and for downtime, he’d go fishing in the river by his home – Life was sweet as you can say for Mickelson until he received some disturbing news; news that would bring his “normal” life, into perspective.

Mickelson, had learned that a family in his community were struggling and one of the major struggles was that of a little girl, not having a bed to sleep on. The girl slept on her clothes every night, clothes that resembled that of a birds nest per Mickelson.

“This little girl had a nest of clothes; it looked like a bird’s nest – a nest she’d built as her bed. “It was such an eye-opener for me, I sat there in silence thinking. “Is this really what’s going on?” Luke Mickelson.

The situation pulled at Mickelson’s heart strings, so much so – he immediately jumped into action; to devise a plan to help other families/children whom may be in the same situation. Mickelson used the safety guideline and his daughter’s bunk bed as a prototype to start constructing bunk beds of his own; using funds out of his own pocket and with the help of recruited family and friends, Mickelson began buying the wood and supplies needed to begin his project.

Since its inception, the non-profit has built more than 1,500 free beds for children across America. So passionate about his new found career, Mickelson gave up his corporate job to focus on ‘Sleep in Heavenly Peace’ – a decision he doesn’t regret!

“I found that the need I have isn’t financial, The need I have is seeing the joy on kids’ faces, knowing that I can made a difference.

And rightfully so, as the first bed he made and delivered to the little girl with the bird’s nest bed; hugged her bed and wouldn’t let it go. A first memory that Mickelson would not soon forget, a memory that keeps him focused on his mission as he continues to make sure every child ‘Sleeps in Heavenly Peace.’

Check out SHP and the Great People/Volunteers that keep this mission driving forward:

 

To read Mickelson’s interview with CNN – click here

You can follow the non-profit – Sleep in Heavenly Peace on FB

To learn more about the organization and how you can help, donate or apply for a bed in your state   – go here.