MATTRESSES FOR MOMS

One Springfi eld mother in need got a welcome gift last week: a brand new mattress. But this mother wasn’t looking out for herself. The mattress, a donation from a Springfi eld retailer, was for her child. Mattress Firm, 2808 Southwest Plaza Dr., donated its third mattress last week in partnership with Unity for Christ Outreach Ministries, a Springfi eld nonprofi t focused on helping mothers in need. Rita Howard at Unity for Christ says many of her organization’s clients are young mothers and have been through abuse. The mother who received a bed last week is working to earn her high school diploma. “They’re really trying,” Howard said. “Sometimes, they get the short end of the straw.” When Howard fi rst called Mattress Firm about the cost of a new bed, the company offered to donate it instead. “They didn’t delay and didn’t even bat an eye,” Howard said. “They’ve been absolutely wonderful.” When the mothers receive their new mattresses, there are tears and hugs all around, Howard says. Heather Peart, store manager at Mattress Firm, says the company is big on community service – so big that they sometimes wear shirts with “Give big” printed on them. “This is such a great avenue for Mattress Firm to pour into,” Peart said. “It’s fantastic to see what Rita is doing with these young women.”