I wrote last month about Kyle Tokan’s wonderful Eagle Scout project for LACASA.
Kyle, 17, built 21 wooden bed platforms for use in LACASA’s domestic violence shelter. He also raised money to purchase new mattresses.
Right now, the Howell High School student is busy coordinating delivery schedules to make sure the platforms and mattresses get to the shelter at the right time.
The platforms will help keep shelter residents safer, as well 
as protect the mattresses by preventing excessive wear and tear. Since there are no chairs in shelter bedrooms, clients use the beds for sitting, as well as sleeping.
The platforms also mean that personal items won’t get lost under beds, and wheels falling off metal bed frames won’t be a problem for the shelter any longer.
“We were looking for something that was more stable, safer and better for the clients,” said Mary Ann Forsberg of LACASA. “And when people are in crisis, they forget things, especially when stuff rolls under the beds. Now, nothing will get under 
there.”
Kyle got help with his project from his fellow Troop members, as well as his dad.
The idea to build wooden bed platforms sprang from a conversation Kyle’s mother, Michelle Tokan, had with LACASA’s Julie Smith.
“The renovation of the shelter’s bedding was on LACASA’s wish list,” Kyle said.
He researched the problem and came up with the plan to build wooden bed bases.
To fund the project, Kyle and his Troop raised $2,200 through donations and can drives to purchase platform materials, as well as the mattresses from Capital Bedding in Lansing.
When the new beds go into service in the shelter, the old beds and frames that are in good shape will be offered to LACASA’s clients when they leave.
YOU CAN STILL HELP
You can help give the gift of comfort to those fleeing unsafe situations in their homes by sponsoring a shelter bed.
• You can sponsor a bed base for a donation of $20.
• You can sponsor a box spring for a donation of $29.
• You can sponsor a mattress for a donation of $70.
• You can sponsor an entire shelter bed for $119.
For information on making a donation, call LACASA at (517) 548-1350. For more information on LACASA, click here.
Photos courtesy of Michelle Tokan.
