Lake Co. group seeks help giving needy a good night's sleep

When you plop into bed tonight, be grateful.

Hundreds of people across Lake County need a bed of their own.

A Zion-based Christian ministry is poised to meet that need, but it is looking for help.

Love In the Name of Christ has received a donation of more than 150 mattresses from Great Lakes Naval Station. That's good news, but it presents a challenge.

"We have about 160 people on a waiting list for beds, but now we need to get frames for them," said Love INC Program Director Marlene Compton. The Navy base donated the pads after one of its buildings was recently renovated.

Compton said volunteers are ready to build simple wooden frames for twin and bunk beds, but the materials need to be purchased.

"We are hoping to raise $10,000," Compton said. "We also need some warehouse space for the construction. Right now, we have about $1,300."

The furniture ministry is a major outreach for Love INC. Compton said many people are in transition from homeless and women's shelters and drug rehab centers, and are starting from scratch. She described a typical situation.

"A single mom heard about Love INC at a Narcotics Anonymous meeting," Compton said. "Hoping to move her life in a new direction, she was making the transition to her first apartment and needed furniture. She called us and we were able to provide her with a couch, dresser, nightstand and more. The woman was excited and grateful."

Founded in the late 1970s, Love INC is a national organization of 9,000 churches with more than 130 affiliates. The Zion group began 15 years ago. Along with donating furniture, they have a clothes closet, an auto and home repair ministry, and other services.

For details on how to donate or volunteer, call (847) 731-0526 Ext. 112, or visit loveinclakecty.net.