PHILADELPHIA – Fifty underserved children in Philadelphia now have mattresses and bedding essentials to sleep safely and soundly. And that’s not the only surprise they got.
Big smiles and brand-new beds filled the Phield House in Philadelphia’s Spring Garden neighborhood Tuesday for the Hope to Dream event.
Ashley Furniture, the Salvation Army, and the Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation hosted the event.
Fresh off a Monday night win, Eagles star Saquon Barkley surprised the children.
Barkley hopes the beds help children get the sleep they need to succeed.
“My focus is trying to make an impact on my community, especially in the youth with academics and athletics. The best way you can do that is having a good night rest,” Barkley said.
“I can sleep more and it’s cozy and I can have a bed, so I can lay in my bed,” said 11-year-old Ashyla.
Organizers say that it’s not just a gift for the kids but also for their parents, knowing that their children are able to get a good night’s sleep.
Since 2010, Hope to Dream has donated nearly 200,000 beds to those in need nationwide.