For some kids, getting tucked into bed is only a dream

Catrina Stackpoole of Recycled Treasurers now has some extra money thanks to a special fundraiser to continue her “Beds for Kids” program. The program allows her organization to donate new beds to kids who don’t have one.

Catrina Stackpoole of Recycled Treasurers now has some extra money thanks to a special fundraiser to continue her “Beds for Kids” program. The program allows her organization to donate new beds to kids who don’t have one.

By Charles Sercombe
Thanks to an ongoing project, it’ll be sweet dreams for more kids in Hamtramck and the surrounding neighborhoods.
While many of us have a nice, comfortable bed to crawl into at night, there are a number of kids in the 48212 zip code who do not have such a luxury. Instead, they have a hard floor, or at best a couch, to sleep on.
Catrina Stackpoole of Recycled Treasures has been aiming to turn that around for the past few years. Her organization regularly gives new and slightly used beds to families who have suffered an emergency.
Stackpoole sought additional funding last Sunday at the latest Hamtramck SOUP event. Every three months folks who have a project proposal to better the community but which needs funding meet up at a Sunday SOUP fundraiser.
The idea is simple and direct: There are usually four people or groups who introduce their community project and at the end, after a meal of soup, participants decide who should win the pot of admission money.
Stackpoole’s “Beds for Kids” looked like a sure winner. Honestly, how can anyone say “no” to a kid who doesn’t have a bed?
She indeed won, and took with her $766 in proceeds.
Stackpoole said she “cheated” just a bit. While making her pitch, she held her 3-year-old granddaughter, Evalyn.
Now how are you going to turn down her plea with an adorable girl looking at you?
With that money, Stackpoole said she will start a revolving fund to allow her to give away a free bed for every 10 that she sells at her used-goods store on Jos. Campau.
New beds on average cost $150. Occasionally, she said, someone donates a clean used bed. All used beds are immediately donated to a needy family.
There is no shortage of requests, Stackpoole said.
“We get a lot of calls from moms looking for help,” Stackpoole said.
The Census numbers for the 48212 zip code area, which includes all of Hamtramck and part of Detroit, is testament to the need.
Among the 39,000 people who live in this zip code, almost half live in poverty. For those who live above the poverty line, their average income is $23,000.
Out of the 11,000 households in the area, almost half receive food stamps or other assistance.
Recycled Treasures is located at 12101 Jos. Campau. For more information about Beds for Kids, call (313) 826-7158.

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