By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — Lynnfield Rotary and MarketStreet Lynnfield are joining forces on Saturday, May 13 to make sure children in need have a brand new bed.
The Rotary Club is hosting its second annual Bed A Build event at MarketStreet on Saturday, May 13, beginning at 10 a.m. in the area between American Eagle and The Gap. In the event of rain, the event will be moved to the South Lynnfield Post Office.
Lynnfield Rotary is building the twin beds for Lynn-based A Bed for Every Child, which is affiliated with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. Over the past year, A Bed for Every Child has provided close to 2,000 children with brand new twin beds.
“A Bed for Every Child provides everything necessary to build the bed frames,” Lynnfield Rotary member Ron Block. “This includes lumber, hardware, tools, instructions and drop cloths. Our sponsors will work in teams of up to four people to prepare the lumber, assemble the frame and provide some decoration. After the frames are completed, A Bed for Every Child will add mattresses, pillows and linens, and will deliver the beds to the home of the child.”
Block, who also serves as Rotary District 7930’s assistant governor, recalled that the club first held the Build A Bed project last year.
“Lynnfield Rotary hosted Build A Bed for the first time last May,” said Block. “We had 40 volunteers and built 10 beds. It was a wonderful event, and everyone went home with a great sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that they contributed to a truly worthwhile experience.”
Block said Lynnfield Rotary is looking forward to constructing the beds this year.
“Volunteers are welcome,” Block stated. “We will meet in the plaza between American Eagle and The Gap. Set up starts at 9 a.m. and the build will run from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. We will assign tasks wherever possible. If individuals are interested in learning more about Rotary, this will be a wonderful opportunity.”
Block said A Bed for Every Child launched the Build A Bed program in 2018, and the organization gave a presentation to the Rotary Club a few years ago.
“Lynnfield Rotary thought this would a great idea and began planning a project,” said Block. “Unfortunately, COVID postponed this until May of last year when we were finally to hold the event in town.”
Block recalled that Lynnfield Rotary has partnered with MarketStreet on several events in the past such as “A Taste of MarketStreet.” He noted there are employees of the outdoor mall who are members of the Rotary Club.
“Both organizations feel that Build A Bed is beneficial,” said Block. “It is a showcase for who we are and what we do, while providing an important service to our neighbors throughout Massachusetts.”
MarketStreet General Manager Charlotte Woods agreed.
“We’re grateful to be able to create a space and provide support for this incredible community effort that will undoubtedly make a difference in local children’s lives,” said Woods.
Block recalled that Rotary International was founded in Chicago in 1905, and Lynnfield Rotary was formed in February 1963.
“We have a long history of providing service to Lynnfield, its residents and surrounding communities,” said Block. “We sponsor an Interact Club to allow Lynnfield High School students to participate in community service activities. Some of our best-known projects include Concerts on the Common, scholarships for LHS seniors, the Turkey Trot and an annual Golf Tournament just to name a few.”
For more information about Lynnfield Rotary, visit www.lynnfieldrotary.com. For more information about MarketStreet Lynnfield, visit https://marketstreetlynnfield.com.
