TRACY, Minn. — The story behind the volunteers who have helped hundreds of children receive a bed of their own will take center stage tonight as a documentary about Help Tuck Them In premieres at the The Caboose.
The free event begins with a social hour at 6:30 p.m., followed by the 27-minute documentary at 7:30 p.m.
The film was produced by local freelance filmmaker and Southwest Minnesota State University graduate Tahj’ee Smith, who said documenting the organization’s work was an easy decision.
“This was a no-brainer for me,” Smith said. “I love storytelling. I love being able to tell stories and make people feel a certain way. Working with Help Tuck Them In, from start to finish, it’s been nothing but great.”
Since launching in 2023, Help Tuck Them In has provided 399 beds and 33 cribs to families in need. Smith said seeing children receive a bed of their own left a lasting impression.
“Walking into some of these situations and not seeing a bed, it’s heartbreaking,” Smith said. “They can’t do it all, but they’re providing a necessity for these kids and making a home a little more homey.”
Smith said the documentary also highlights the volunteers who build, stain and deliver the beds, along with the businesses and community members who support the organization’s mission.
“People of all walks of life, different ages, are here in one spot with one common goal,” Smith said. “That’s just great to see, unity.”
Following tonight’s premiere, Smith plans to release the documentary online Friday through his YouTube channel, SmackEnt_9.
