No Child Should Sleep on the Floor: How Beds for Kids Inc. is Changing Lives in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

The Harsh Reality of Sleeping on the Floor

Imagine being 8 years old and trying to sleep on a cold, hard floor every night. For hundreds of children in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, this isn’t imagination – it’s reality. These kids aren’t just missing a bed; they’re missing out on the rest they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

In our community, more than 800 children lack a proper bed to sleep in. That’s 800 young souls who struggle to focus in school, fight constant fatigue, and face health challenges simply because they don’t have a safe, comfortable place to rest their heads at night.

A Faith-Filled Mission to Provide Rest

But God is moving in powerful ways through Beds for Kids Inc., a local nonprofit that’s answering His call to serve “the least of these.” This Jesus-centered organization is bringing hope, dignity, and rest to families who need it most.

“Every child deserves a good night’s sleep,” says Mark Coates, founder of Beds for Kids Inc. “We believe this is more than just giving away beds – it’s about showing God’s love in a practical way that changes lives.”

Making a Tangible Impact

Since 2020, this ministry has delivered more than 1500 beds to local families, complete with new mattresses, bedding, and even a Bible for each child. Each delivery represents:

• A child who no longer has to sleep on the floor
• A parent who can rest easier knowing their little one is comfortable
• A family that experiences God’s provision through His people

More Than Just Beds: A Community of Care

This is more than a story about beds – it’s about how God uses ordinary people to meet extraordinary needs, one child at a time.

The Reality of Child Bed Insecurity

In Manatee and Sarasota Counties, over 2,000 children don’t have a proper bed to sleep in tonight. It’s a startling number that hits close to home, especially when we consider these are our neighbors, our children’s classmates, and members of our local community.

Many families face tough choices between paying rent and buying furniture. Single mom Sarah shared, “After our emergency move, I could only afford mattresses on the floor for my three kids.” Stories like hers are common, with family displacement and financial hardship forcing children to sleep on couches, air mattresses, or directly on the floor.

The Impact of Poor Sleep on Children

• 87% more likely to struggle in school
• 3x more likely to have behavioral issues
• Increased health risks, including weakened immune systems and chronic fatigue

“We see kids falling asleep in class because they’re not sleeping well at home,” says local teacher Mrs. Rodriguez. “It affects their ability to focus, learn, and interact with other students.”

Beyond academics, children without beds often feel embarrassed to have friends over, leading to social isolation and lower self-esteem.

But there’s hope. Jesus calls us to care for those in need, and through simple acts of love like providing a bed, we can show His care in practical ways. Every child deserves a safe, comfortable place to sleep – it’s not just about comfort, it’s about dignity, health, and giving kids a fair chance to thrive.

Beds for Kids Inc.: Bringing Hope and Rest

In 2019, a small group of friends from First United Methodist Church in Bradenton, saw a need they couldn’t ignore – children sleeping on floors. That’s how Beds for Kids Inc. was born, with a simple mission: to share Jesus’ love by providing beds to children who need them.

“We believe every child deserves a safe, comfortable place to sleep,” says Mark Coates, founder of Beds for Kids Inc. “Jesus called us to care for those in need, and sometimes that looks like a twin bed and fresh sheets.”

How It Works

• Families apply through local schools, churches, or social service agencies.
• Once approved, Beds for Kids Inc. springs into action.
• Each child receives a new twin bed, mattress, bedding set, and even a Bible – all delivered right to their home.

A Community Effort

• Several local churches partner with Beds for Kids Inc.
• Donations are used to purchase bed sets and mattresses.
• Mattress Firm partners with us to provide mattresses and mattress protectors. 
• Volunteers handle everything from building the beds to deliveries and assembly.
• 50+ beds are delivered each month.
• Rags to Rugs is a group of ladies who volunteer to make prayer rugs for the children.

“Every bed delivery is a chance to pray with families and share hope,” Coates explains. “We’re not just giving kids a place to sleep – we’re showing them they matter to God and to their community.”

Making a Difference: Stories of Impact

“I never knew a bed could change so much,” shares Maria, tears welling up as she watches her 8-year-old daughter bounce on her new mattress. For three years, her daughter slept on a pile of blankets on the floor. Now, she’s one of the 1,500 children Beds for Kids Inc. has helped in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

By the Numbers

• 1,500 beds delivered
• 600 families served
• 200 active volunteers
• 25 partner churches involved

Teachers report that children who receive beds show up to school more alert and ready to learn. “My grades got better because I could actually sleep,” says 12-year-old James, who received his bed last year. His math scores jumped from D’s to B’s within one semester.

Join the Mission: How You Can Help

Ready to help a child experience the blessing of a good night’s sleep? There are so many ways to get involved:

1. Donate a Bed

💰 A $250 donation provides a complete bed set, including a mattress, frame, sheets, and pillow.

2. Volunteer

🙌 Help with bed deliveries, warehouse organization, event planning, or administrative support.

3. Pray for the Mission

🙏 Sign up for weekly prayer updates and stand with us in prayer for the families we serve.

4. Spread the Word

📢 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@BedsforKidsSRQ) and share our mission with your church, friends, and family.

Final Call to Action: Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus

Every night in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, children are sleeping on floors, couches or sharing inadequate beds. But you can help change that reality today.

Think about the last time you crawled into your cozy bed. That simple comfort is something every child deserves. When you partner with Beds for Kids Inc., you’re not just giving a bed; you’re giving a child better health, improved school performance, and renewed dignity.

Contact Us Today!

• Phone: 941-290-2774
• Email: b4kids.org@gmail.com
• Website: b4kids.org
• Address: PO Box 110437 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211
• Facebook: Go to our page

Will you help us ensure no child in our community sleeps on the floor tonight?

Together, we can give the gift of rest to children who need it most.