Freedom Credit Union to Help Provide ‘A Bed for Every Child’

SPRINGFIELD — All children deserve a comfortable, restful night’s sleep — a freedom that one regional credit union will help secure for them.

Freedom Credit Union will again partner with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless on “A Bed for Every Child.” Last year, Freedom contributed $9,000 to the efforts of the Pioneer Valley chapter of the Cooperative Credit Union Assoc. (CCUA), enough to procure 36 beds for area children in need. This year, the institution hopes to raise $10,000, enough for 40 beds.

“Thanks to the characteristic compassion and generosity of our employees, members, and leaders, Freedom actually exceeded our goal by 20% in 2018,” said Freedom President and CEO Glenn Welch. “Those who represent our institution have always demonstrated a firm commitment to community, and I’m confident this initiative will continue to be a shining example of that.”

Every $250 makes a ‘bed buddy,’ which provides one child with a complete bed set: frame, mattress, pillow, linens, and blankets. Like last year, FCU has already pledged a donation of four bed buddies ($1,000 value). Welch has agreed to match this donation once again and has challenged board and staff members to do what they can to help FCU reach its $10,000 goal. The goal for the Pioneer Valley Chapter of CCUA is $25,000, or 100 beds. 

Each FCU branch currently has a collection box on site for anyone who would like to contribute to “A Bed for Every Child” and help Freedom reach its goal. In addition, Freedom will host an employee dress-down day for the cause in April. Each employee who donates will receive a raffle ticket for entry into a prize drawing.

In 2011, the Massachusetts Coalition learned that many public-school students were not getting enough sleep because they did not have their own beds. In response, the coalition launched “A Bed for Every Child,” with a mission to help facilitate the healthy sleep children need to learn and succeed.