Tewksbury Residents Invited to Participate In ‘Build-A-Bed for Every Child’ Program

Students who need service hours and anyone else who wants to help give kids a place to dream may sign up

On Wednesday, April 17, trucks will roll into the parking lot of the Tewksbury Federal Credit Union at 752 Main St. loaded up with all the supplies to build 10 twin beds. The goal: Support the A Bed for Every Child program in making sure every young person in our community has a place to read, sleep — and dream big dreams.

Almost 25 years ago, the Cooperative Credit Union Association, of which TFCU is a member, began working with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless to aid in their efforts to support unhoused families. The Build a Bed events bring community groups and credit union members and employees together to build beds for children who lack the proper sleeping arrangements. Many are sharing a bed with siblings or parents, for example, or sleeping on unsuitable mattresses.

Often children who are deprived of their own sleeping spaces have disturbed sleep, discomfort and health and safety concerns, according to experts with A Bed for Every Child.

Maureen Montecalvo, CEO of the Tewksbury Federal Credit Union, sees this as a way to give back.

“Our credit union is proud to sponsor this Build-A-Bed event,” said Montecalvo. “Our staff has been supporting and volunteering for the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless for many years, and we look forward to sharing this event with our Tewksbury community.  This is one of the ways in which we can give back to our town and those in need. Our mission of ‘People Helping People’ is the basis for everything we do.”

On the day of the event, the A Bed for Every Child team does all the heavy lifting. Everything needed to build the beds is supplied — wood has been pre-drilled and marked, and tools are available. Instructions on how to put the beds together are easy to follow, and staff are there throughout the project to assist. Local teams just need to come prepared to build, paint and have a great time.  

Teams of three or four, with no special skills required, will work together to build, sand and paint a bed frame. A Bed for Every Child delivers not only the frames but also new twin mattresses to local children who deserve beds of their own. The impact of this event will be felt right here in our community because the beds made at the TFCU will be delivered to local families.

Do you have a couple of hours on April 17, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. to partake in a very fulfilling project? Are you a TMHS student who needs community service hours? Are you a Scout leader in need of a troop project? Are you part of a sports team and want to do a meaningful team building experience?

If so, please call the Tewksbury Federal Credit Union at (978) 851-9750 for details and to sign up for a very rewarding afternoon.