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Throughout the week, our ACC Team searches through emails and news articles looking for someone who deserves to be the Kidde Hero of the Week…
In 2012, Luke Mickelson of Twin Falls, Idaho, and his family were inspired to build and donate a bunk bed after learning there were local children who slept on the floor. He was shocked to discover how widespread this need was, so he founded Sleep in Heavenly Peace – a nonprofit that builds and delivers beds to children in need.
Using his daughter’s bunk bed as a template, Luke started buying wood and supplies to build beds with his own money. Then, he recruited friends and family members to help around the holidays.
The first year they built 11 bunk beds and that number continued to grow… So, Luke set up a formal charity complete with training courses, construction manuals so that local chapters in communities coast to coast could join the movement. With the motto, “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town,” the nonprofit has more than 65 chapters and have delivered more than 1,500 free beds to children across America.
But, along with the rapid growth, Luke was faced with a tough choice: advancing his career or his nonprofit. He chose the latter, and he went from making great money to zero money and he’s never looked back! He said that he found that the need he has isn’t financial; it’s seeing the joy on kids’ faces, knowing that he made a difference.
So, Luke Mickelson, you are our Kidde Hero of the Week.
Nominate a Hero of the Week
Now, we want to know who has made a difference in your life. Nominate a local firefighter, police officer, EMT or someone who is serving our country in the military. It could even be a neighbor, family member or friend who lent a crucial helping hand. Let us know all about the person who you feel is a real life hero by emailing us here and please feel free to send us a picture!