A Day of Service Transforms Into a Bed‑Building Movement
More than 100 Virginia Tech football players gathered in the New River Valley to construct 40 beds for children who lack a safe place to sleep. The effort was part of the team’s annual Day of Service, now overseen by new head coach James Franklin, who emphasized the importance of giving back to the community that supports the program.
The players partnered with the nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nationwide organization dedicated to providing beds for children in need. Their financial contribution of $5,000 was matched dollar‑for‑dollar by The Hokie Way, bringing the total resources available for the project to $10,000.
Junior defensive end Aycen Stevens said he sees himself in the kids who will sleep in the beds the team built, underscoring a personal connection to the cause. Sophomore offensive lineman Lucas Austin added that this was not his first build, having taken part in a similar project the previous year, which deepened his commitment to the initiative.
Beyond the Field: Community Impact
Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s New River Valley chapter launched in 2020 and has since delivered more than 1,700 beds across the region. The latest build brought the total number of beds provided locally to a new milestone, directly addressing a tangible need in Montgomery, Pulaski, Giles, and Radford counties.
Coach James Franklin highlighted that the service project is an extension of the team’s identity, reinforcing values of teamwork, humility, and responsibility. He noted that the players showed up despite demanding workout schedules, including an early‑morning session and a planned practice later that day.
Looking Forward
The success of the build has sparked conversations about future collaborations, with the athletes expressing a desire to continue mentoring the children who receive the beds. By turning a simple act of construction into a lasting relationship, the Hokies aim to inspire the next generation while reinforcing a culture of service that extends beyond the football field.