Story by Tom Markland
MARTINSBURG — On Saturday, volunteers gathered at St. Cavalry United Methodist Church in Martinsburg to help a dedicated local scout bring his final project to fruition, with the goal of building 30 beds for children in need around the community.
Luke Albright, a member of Troop 13 in Martinsburg, started the project as the last part of his quest to reach the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest attainable rank in scouting. For his project, he is working with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit whose local chapter started in May.
Albright joined the scouting program in 2019, and remembers the experiences he gained through the program, like his first camping experience and making his own movie for a merit badge.
“The whole experience was a really fun journey,” Albright said. “It’s good to end it off like this.”
According to Albright, he will be the last Eagle Scout to come out of Troop 13, since the group will be closing down.
“We’ve had a troop here for over 100 years,” Albright said. “I’m glad we can end it off with a good project.”
Inspired by a friend’s Eagle Scout project benefiting the Hagerstown (Maryland) chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Albright decided to bring the idea to Martinsburg for his own project. Around 20 volunteers showed up to help cut and sand wood and assemble bed frames at St. Cavalry UMC on Saturday.
Originally, Albright only planned to build 10 beds, but ended up raising three-times more money than he first set out to, allowing them to build 30. Each of the beds already has a local child in need signed up to receive it.
Each bed costs $250, and thanks to generous donations, the bulk of which came from St. Cavalry UMC itself, they were able to raise more than $7,500.
According to Andrea Waddell, founder of Berkeley County’s chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Saturday’s project was a big day for them.
“This has been our best build to date,” Waddell said. “It’s well organized, and we have great volunteers.”
Before Saturday’s project, Sleep in Heavenly Peace had delivered 19 beds to kids in need since their new chapter started in May. Albright’s project brings them close to 50. The beds include a full bed frame, mattress and pillows that can be delivered to a child in need and easily assembled there.
Albright recommends that young people get involved in their local scout troops, and to aim high with their service projects.
“Don’t go for something small, do something big,” Albright said, “And make an impact.”
Sleep in Heavenly Peace hosts regular build days and fundraisers around Berkeley County. More information about can be found on their website, https://shpbeds.org/chapter/wv-berkeley-co/, which includes links to their donation page and their website.