Students who don’t normally work with power tools learned to run orbital sanders and drills so they could give back to their community
In a small corner of New York, something big is happening that’s powered by sawdust, service and heart. The Penn Yan FFA Chapter has taken on a mission reaching far beyond the classroom: building beds for children in the community who don’t have a safe place to sleep at night.
Getting Started
The Penn Yan FFA Chapter has been an essential part of the community since its founding in 1931, because it’s not afraid to start new traditions. In 2024, Penn Yan FFA advisor Carlie Bossard reached out to the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace about looking to start an annual bed build at the school.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a national organization that partners with community members to provide twin-sized beds for children who are sleeping on the floor or sharing a bed with a family member. It purchases materials with donated funds, which are then used to assemble and deliver the beds — along with pillows and bedding — to those in need.
How Can We Help?
This year, the Penn Yan FFA Chapter helped raise funds for the project. Several local businesses sponsored beds, and students throughout Penn Yan Academy wanted to help — not just FFA members. Throughout the day, students in agriculture, technology and business classes came down to the school’s shop to help measure, cut and assemble the beds.
The Sleep in Heavenly Peace coordinator teaches a student how to build a bed frame.
Student Impact
Through the project, students who don’t normally work with power tools learned to run orbital sanders and drills so they could give back to their community. “This provides a feeling of normalcy for kids in our community who are not as fortunate as others,” says Penn Yan FFA Officer Zoe Zeigler.
And the impact is real. This year, the chapter raised funds for and built 20 beds for local children.
Why We Do It
“The bed build is so important because it’s helping kids who don’t have the ability to get a good night’s sleep,” says FFA member Alexa Breeds. “If our school can make a difference by making beds for kids in our community, why can’t others?”
It’s a powerful message — especially considering 2-3% of American children do not have their own bed to sleep in — and one the Penn Yan FFA Chapter hopes to keep sharing.
Looking ahead, the chapter plans to grow the event, build more beds and continue making a lasting difference. These students aren’t just building furniture — they’re building hope, stability and a better future. For the kids who now have a warm bed to call their own, the gift is more than just a good night’s sleep — it’s proof someone cares.
Finished bed frames are loaded into the truck.
