BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Illinois Wesleyan University students are hosting their very own Bed Blitz event this month.
Emma Kudelka '27, a political science major and Student Senate Chief of Staff, said she was inspired to put on the event by the Neighborhood Investment Fellowship this summer, when she worked closely with the West Bloomington Revitalization Project (WBRP), a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering residents, honoring local history and building a safe, welcoming and diverse community in West Bloomington.
Kudelka has also been working closely on the project with the Civic Engagement and Diversity and Inclusion Commissioners, Macy Iwanus and Neveah Porter.
"I learned all about the Bed Blitz program and found out that they occasionally host Mini-Builds, and I and another fellow who is on the Student Senate executive board wanted to bring a positive impact to IWU's campus," Kudelka said.
The program gives local youth ages five to 18 a twin-size bed frame, a brand-new mattress, sheets, pillows, a blanket or quilt, laundry detergent, books, a hygiene kit and a teddy bear. The kits are given away entirely for free thanks to donors and local sponsors. In the last three years, the program has supplied over 500 beds locally.
IWU's event, co-hosted by the Student Senate and the WBRP, will be held from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, in the Hansen Student Center.
Volunteers will help build 10 beds for Sheridan Elementary students and West Side families in need. The WBRP recently held its 10th annual Bed Blitz event in October, which provided 127 beds to 70 families in Bloomington-Normal.
"While most people don't choose IWU because of the Bloomington-Normal area, getting involved allows you to become a true member of the community," Kudelka explained. "Volunteering allows you to utilize your privilege to give back, which I think is very important. It also strengthens your own personal network and experiences, and is a fun way to stay active."
She said the best part about volunteering with the WBRP and the Bed Blitz program was meeting the people she was helping, as she was able to help deliver the beds to families for the October build, which she felt was special.
Ryan Heeren, WBRP board member and co-leader of the Bed Blitz, also sees this community connection as a benefit of the project.
“IWU and the WBRP have a long-standing relationship in serving the community," Heeran said. "We hope projects like this help Wesleyan students to learn more about local needs and how they can make a difference.”
Currently, 55 IWU students and some Sheridan Elementary staff are signed up to help with the event. However, there are approximately 70-100 volunteer opportunities for students and community members. Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), athletics and Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) are also invited to attend.
These opportunities include building the beds, assembling supplemental kit items, and loading and delivering the beds to families.
"I hope people can come together as a community," Kudelka said. "Now is more important than ever for IWU to connect, and the broader Bloomington-Normal community, under a shared mission of helping children in need. I also hope this inspires them to learn more about the WBRP and Bed Blitz and continue to volunteer."
Those who are unable to attend but still want to help out can purchase items through an Amazon Wishlist.
Kudelka said they've received 85% of their donation wishlist from staff, faculty and community members. She also credits Deborah Halperin, Director of the Center for Engaged Learning, for helping with event logistics and donations.
For more information about the program, visit westbloomington.org/bed-blitz.