LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The west Louisville chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace and local labor unions helped build 50 beds for students who don’t have their own, with nearly 50 volunteers making it possible.

A typical Saturday morning for Zachary Jasinski doesn’t consist of much, but he spent this one building beds for Louisville children. 

“(A) whole lot of nothing, so this is definitely a better use of my time,” said Jasinski, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 369 journeyman inside wireman.

IBEW 369 was one of six different labor unions participating in the build. Over the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace's six-year lifespan, it has created about 1,000 beds. 

“It just feels great ... I've been retired for a number of years, and six years ago, I was just looking for something to do and found out about this place through the national news," said Tom Recktenwald, president of Sleep in Heavenly Peace's west Louisville chapter. "They said, 'If you'd like to start a chapter, come see us.' I did that, and we've been building beds ever since." 

According to the Kentucky Department of Education, more than 22,000 students were without a home last school year, and the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration said nearly 40% of Kentucky children are not getting the recommended amount of sleep.

“I’ve seen studies that show that kids who don't have a regular place to sleep suffer in school, they have more health problems, they have behavior problems ... just a lot of things that aren't good that having their own bed can help cure,” Recktenwald said.

It's why volunteers such as Jasinski are doing what they can to make a difference in children’s lives.

“It’s a good feeling; there are other things I can do on a Saturday, but nothing as worthwhile as this today,” Jasinski said.

The beds will be delivered over the next week, primarily to west Louisville students.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace is looking for donations and volunteers. More information can be found on its website.