by Partnering with Smart Start of Davie County and Davie County Schools, 100 beds were provided to children in need
MOCKSVILLE, N.C. – Ashley, in partnership with Hope to Dream, Smart Start of Davie County and Davie County Schools, brought smiles and sweet dreams to 100 local children through a special bed donation event. The celebration, which took place at Mocksville Elementary School, combined fun with a life-changing surprise for deserving families.
The event brought together recipient children and their families for an evening of activities, games and a meal before the surprise bed reveal. Each child received a new mattress, bed frame, bedding and pillow, providing a comfortable place to sleep and dream. The event was made possible through a collaborative effort between local educators, nonprofit partners and volunteers, including team members from Ashley Furniture Industries’ nearby Advance, North Carolina facility.
“Supporting the communities where our team members live and work is an important part of who we are at Ashley,” said Chris Say, Senior Director of Industrial Engineering, Ashley Furniture Industries. “Through our partnership with Smart Start of Davie County, Davie County Schools and Hope to Dream, we’re able to make a direct impact on local families while helping ensure more children have the comfort and stability that come with a good night’s sleep.”
Smart Start of Davie County is a nonprofit organization focused on improving outcomes for young children and families through early childhood education, health initiatives, family support programs and community partnerships. By working closely with schools, caregivers and local service providers, the organization helps connect families with resources that support children’s healthy development and long-term success.
“We are incredibly grateful for these beds and for Ashley Furniture’s investment in the children of Davie County,” Gena Taylor, Executive Director of Smart Start of Davie County. “Every vendor and community partner we’ve approached has enthusiastically accepted the opportunity to be a part of this special event. Caregivers have shared heartfelt stories of children who are co-sleeping, sharing beds, or longing for a space of their own. A safe, comfortable place to sleep is so much more than a bed—it supports a child’s physical and emotional well-being and positively impacts the entire family. These beds will truly make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community.”
“Research identifies four critical lifestyle factors—sleep quality, screen time, physical activity, and diet—that can impact children’s mental health and academic success, with sleep identified as the strongest factor affecting grades and social behavior,” said Dr. Heath Belcher, Superintendent of Davie County Schools. “Every child deserves a safe, comfortable place to rest and dream big, and we are incredibly grateful to Hope to Dream and Ashley Furniture for helping us support our students and families. Davie County Schools continues to seek opportunities to work alongside community partners to provide resources and help families understand how lifestyle factors can impact their child’s learning and overall well-being.”
The donation reflects Hope to Dream’s mission of ensuring every child has a bed of their own. Since its inception in 2010, Hope to Dream has helped more than 200,000 children across the United States and Canada receive a better night’s sleep through bed donations.
The program continues to grow through a portion of proceeds from every mattress purchase at participating Ashley retail locations, which helps fund future bed donations for children in need.
For more information about Hope to Dream, visit www.ahopetodream.com.
