Hundreds of mattresses donated from a Jefferson City hotel will help victims of fires and flooding across Missouri.
Capitol Plaza Hotel donated 340 mattresses on Monday to Missouri Pay it Forward, an organization based in Mexico, Missouri, that works with the American Red Cross.
"When we find out about a fire or flood victim anywhere in the state, we work to give them beds and other basic needs free of charge," said Sylvia Sprinkle, Missouri Pay it Forward founder and executive director.
"We are a nonprofit group of community members stepping up and helping."
Sprinkle said she was grateful for the donation from Capitol Plaza because it will take care of flood victims, but it should also give them enough beds to deal with fires and other disasters that hit through the summer months.
"It's the little stuff that you never know or think that you'd need after a disaster," she said. "We give them anything to rebuild their lives. This was definitely one of the larger donations we've received. Mattresses are hard to come by. Now we'll look for bed frames. For this to happen, it's a relief."
Sprinkle said when they get a call from the Red Cross, they are able to go to anywhere in the state, unlike some organizations that are limited in the size of the area they can serve.
"We felt that's not fair because people in rural communities need help just as much as those in urban areas," she said.
To donate or find out more about the organization, visit www.mopayforward.com, or call 573-427-2860.
"We really have been struggling to get mattresses, and knowing they will have a place to lay their head down is a blessing," Sprinkle said. "It's all free to fire or flood victims and that's important since some people can't get a place for months after a fire or flooding."