Houston’s own Mattress Mack hosted the patriotic giveaway at Gallery Furniture to thank those who serve our country and community.
HOUSTON — Houston’s own Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale helped local heroes get a good night’s sleep ahead of Independence Day.
On Wednesday morning, Gallery Furniture gave away 100 mattresses to military veterans and first responders as a way to express gratitude for their service this Fourth of July.
The line started forming Tuesday night. Army Veteran Marcia Twyman was the first person to arrive. She showed up at 8 p.m.
“I believed I was going to be No. 10 or something like that,” Twyman said. “But when I got here, I said, ‘Well, I’m first, oh well, I’m gonna stay put.’”
The giveaway ran from 7 to 9 a.m. at Gallery Furniture’s North Freeway location.
“We all have a responsibility for the well-being of our community,” McIngvale said. “Our vets and first responders quite often get left out, so doing something special for them, seeing the smiles on their faces, is great.”
Evelyn Jackson, a US Army Military Police Veteran, said the mattress was something she needed.
“I have a young one that’s like 6 feet (tall), so the extra-long twin is going to be great,” Jackson said.
It wasn’t just the veterans and first responders who were grateful; their families also appreciated the show of support.
“It’s very important to show the military that they’re not alone,” said Lisa Sherlock, whose husband served in the Air Force. “Because as a military family, you think you’re alone, especially when it’s your first time being away from home.”