Fifteen-year-old Stephanie sleeps on a leaky air mattress with two siblings. Her family recently secured stable housing, but they don’t yet have beds. For Stephanie, getting a good night’s sleep is never easy and that makes thriving in the classroom even harder.
Sadly, many children across Greater Richmond share similar stories. They’re sleeping on floors, sofas, or chairs instead of beds. Bridging RVA is committed to changing that through its annual 150 Beds for 150 Kids initiative. Area children receive brand-new twin-size beds, complete with frames, mattresses, sheets, blankets, and pillows all delivered and assembled by volunteers.
“Lack of a good night’s sleep comes at a cost to a child’s well-being,” says Lee Ann Sawyer, Executive Director of Bridging RVA. “We believe taking care of the most fundamental part of a good night’s sleep,having a bed goes a long way in helping nurture healthy children.”
Founded in 2014, Bridging RVA’s mission is to connect people from all walks of life and help them find common ground through meaningful service. Their 150 Beds for 150 Kids initiative, launched in 2015, is one of the organization’s cornerstone projects, happening every October.
The impact goes far beyond the bed-frame and blanket. According to long-time volunteer Kelly Long, “Walking into a bare cinder block apartment, furnished with just a sofa, table, and mats on the floor for sleeping, was shocking. Setting up the beds and seeing the reactions on the faces of the children and their families was priceless and life-giving.”
[Volunteers deliver beds and bedding to children throughout Richmond as part of Bridging RVA’s annual initiative.]
The initiative is made possible by a collaborative community effort. School officials and social service partners identify children in need. Individuals, businesses, and faith-based organizations donate bedding and financial support. More than 130 volunteers armed with trucks, vans, and hearts ready to serve, deliver and assemble each bed.
“Each year, it takes more than 130 volunteers, extensive outreach, corporate in-kind donations, and the community’s financial support to bring this tradition to life,” says Bridging RVA board member Monique Jones.
More Than Just Beds
Bridging RVA’s commitment to the community extends well beyond this signature project.
Each spring, the organization also hosts a Teacher Appreciation Initiative, focusing on faculty and staff at Title 1 schools, schools with large populations of students from low-income families. These teachers often go unrecognized, but Bridging RVA makes sure they feel seen and valued.
“Providing recognition, gifts, and appreciation reminds this wonderful and dedicated group of the difference they are making,” says board member Ellen Thornhill.
The organization also leads rapid response efforts throughout the year, helping fix cars for single moms, paying utility bills for seniors, or supplying hearing aids to help someone stay employed. These smaller actions are driven by the same mission: to meet real needs quickly and compassionately.
“Sometimes the coupling of an idea with action needs to happen quickly,” says Sawyer. “We place a high value on the volunteer experience and are astounded by the dedication of those who give their time and talent. Many leave feeling as though they were the ones who were blessed the most.”
Building a Stronger RVA Together
What makes Bridging RVA unique is its focus on filling the gaps, supporting needs that other organizations may not have the resources or bandwidth to meet.
“There are so many fantastic nonprofits in Richmond,” says Sawyer. “Rather than duplicate efforts, we look for what’s missing whether it’s food, beds for kids, shelter, addiction resources, or home repairs, and then rally the expertise and support needed to make a difference.”
How You Can Help: 150 Beds for 150 Kids, October 18, 2025
Bridging RVA will host its tenth annual bed delivery event on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Volunteers will deliver and set up beds for children across metro Richmond and surrounding counties.
“We’ve given over 1,850 beds since this effort began. Sadly, the need continues,” says Sawyer. “There are too many Richmond kids without beds, and we’re doing our best to change that.”
Want to Help?
• Volunteer: Join a team to deliver and set up beds or make confirmation calls.
• Donate: Email info@bridgingrva.org or give online at BridgingRVA.org
• Spread the word: Share Bridging RVA’s story with friends, neighbors, and businesses who want to help make a difference.
To learn more about Bridging RVA and all of their initiatives, visit BridgingRVA.org
