For the second time in recent years, Washtenaw County 14A District Court Judge Kirk Tabbey has given the gift of sleep to an entire elementary school in Ypsilanti. On Tuesday, Oct. 11, Sweet Dreamzzz Inc., Tabbey, and Two Men and a Truck came together to bring sleep education and sleep kits to more than 300 students in grades 2-5 at Holmes Elementary School in Ypsilanti. Holmes received a Sweet Dreamzzz R.E.M. (Rest. Educate. Motivate.) Sleep Education Program that educated the children on what it takes to get a good night's sleep so they can be rested and ready to learn throughout the day at school.
Tabbey rounded up family and friends who volunteered the day before the program unloading the truck full of sleeping bags and sleep kits, and then helped organize everything inside the classroom. Longtime Sweet Dreamzzz partner, Two Men and a Truck, delivered the sleep kits to Holmes Elementary. Tabbey sponsored the program with a personal donation to Sweet Dreamzzz, Inc.
"Committed to helping our children succeed in school and in life, Sweet Dreamzzz teaches basic sleep education to economically disadvantaged children that leaves them healthier with improved academic performance, by as much as a full grade point," explained Tabbey. " This is why I support this proven program that provides these pupils with the opportunity to achieve at higher academic and physical levels for their lifetime."
The Sweet Dreamzzz R.E.M. (Rest. Educate. Motivate.) Sleep Education Program is twofold. It brings warmth and comfort to these children in need in the form of bedtime essentials, and also provides vital information they need to know to ensure a good night's sleep. This program starts with a 30-minute presentation, educating the children on the importance of sleep and good sleep hygiene habits and ends with every child receiving a sleep kit that includes either a blanket or a sleeping bag, Sweet Dreamzzz t-shirt, reading book by sleep professional Dr. James B. Maas, and toothbrush and toothpaste.
Sweet Dreamzzz will also be hosting a Parent Sleep Education Workshop at Holmes to help further reinforce bedtime lessons in the households of the students.
Founded in 1998, Sweet Dreamzzz Inc. is a nonprofit organization committed to improving children's health, well-being and academic performance by providing sleep education and bedtime essentials to economically disadvantaged students and their families.
Based in Farmington Hills, Sweet Dreamzzz educates children and families about the benefits of healthy sleep habits and establishing a healthy bedtime routine using its Early Childhood Sleep Education Program, the Parent Sleep Education Workshop and the R.E.M. (Rest. Educate. Motivate.) Sleep Program. Since its founding, Sweet Dreamzzz has served more than 50,000 children and families.
For more information on how to help by volunteering or organizing collections for Sweet Dreamzzz, or to find out about getting one of the sleep programs at a local school, call the office at 248-478-3242 or visit www.SweetDreamzzz.org.
Published: Fri, Oct 21, 2016
