With that in mind, Slumberland Furniture donated 40 twin beds to two local social-service agencies Friday. Love INC (In the Name of Christ) of Vermilion County and Aunt Martha’s Center for Children’s Services received 20 mattress sets each.

The donations were made as part of the company’s 40 Winks Foundation initiative, which has given more than 25,000 new beds to families in need since 1993.

The presentations were made during the store’s grand opening at the Village Mall, 2917 N. Vermilion St., with several local leaders and company representatives from across the Midwest in attendance.

Lisa Olson, community engagement officer based in St. Paul, Minn., noted how important it is for a child to get a good night’s sleep and for him to have his own space. Sleep is vital for a child’s health and ability to learn.

“It’s amazing how many children don’t have beds,” she said. “Our goal is to work to get children off the floor.”

She also noted that store employees are involved in the 40 Winks initiative, and that donations of beds are made all year, not just on this one day. Slumberland, which is family owned, wants to be engaged with the community, she said.

Andrew Daily, local store manager, said the company’s legacy is to give back to the community.

He said 100 percent of donations goes to buy beds, not to administrative costs.

Rickey Williams, in his role as vice mayor for the city of Danville, welcomed Slumberland to Danville, saying, “I appreciate that you believe in Danville to make this investment. … You’re willing to be a community partner from the get-go; that means a lot to us.”

Jeanette Hoss, executive director of Love INC, said, “We’re just so thankful and feel so blessed that 40 Winks exists. We know children sleeping on the floor will have a bed and that little place all their own.”

Having a bed is something we take for granted, Hoss said.

Amy Wiedmann, manager with the Center for Children’s Services division of Aunt Martha’s, said it’s difficult for families to take care of their health when they’re worried about where their children are going to sleep.

“We’re honored and excited,” she said. “It’s great to have this ongoing partnership.”

Most of the beds were expected to be delivered by Friday night, in time for Father’s Day weekend, she said.

Slumberland Furniture opened its doors last month in the former Sears space. It has about 34,000 square feet, one of the largest among the Slumberland stores and the only one in a mall.

Besides bedding and bedroom furniture, it offers a variety of furniture, decorations, rugs, lamps, recliners, and other furnishings for all rooms of a home.

Founded in 1967 in Richfield, Minn., Slumberland began as a mattress and La-Z-Boy specialty shop. During the past 40 years, Slumberland has expanded to more than 128 stores across 12 states in the Midwest.

The company donates more than 10 percent of its profits to groups that assist families and youth around the corner and across the world. Citizenship and stewardship are two of the company’s core values. Also, employees are encouraged to give of their time and talents to important causes in their communities.