POLAND, Ohio (July 7, 2022) — Despite the high temperatures and hot summer sun, several PDMI team members came together to make a difference in the lives of many local children.
On Saturday, June 25, approximately 30 PDMI employees and their families gathered at their company’s headquarters to participate in a team build for the national non-profit Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to its mission of providing handmade beds for children who don’t have beds of their own.
In just under four hours, the team was able to build 13 beds – 26 beds in total – for children of the Mahoning Valley.
Emily Leonard, recruitment and retention specialist for PDMI, spearheaded the event. Leonard, an SHP volunteer for several years, noted that the confluence of the two organizations made for a memorable, fun event that will make a big difference for many of the area’s children.
“Hosting the SHP build day at PDMI was a surreal experience for me. Witnessing my friends and colleagues come together to volunteer their time and put in the work to not only fulfill SHP’s mission, but to live out PDMI’s core values was just incredible,” said Leonard. “The beds we built will make a profound impact on the lives of 26 children across the Mahoning Valley and for that, I cannot say thank you enough. Being part of these two teams and watching them join forces proves that when we care, we win together. I could not be more proud to be part of team PDMI!”
Though the build took place a few weeks ago, planning for it was in the works since 2019 when PDMI raised funds to support it through its annual charitable giving drive. Employees raised funds with a holiday basket raffle, which were then matched by PDMI CEO and Founder Doug Wittenauer for a total of $6,350.
“We’ve experienced many successes over the years, and to us, there is no better way to celebrate them than by giving back to the community that helped to build us,” said Wittenauer, who also participated in the team build. “Our entire mission is built on the premise of creating healthier lives centered on wellness; partnering with SHP presented the perfect opportunity give back while fulfilling that mission. No child should be without access to a safe, comfortable sleeping arrangement.”
For more information about SHP, please visit www.shpbeds.org.