SAWs prepares for 2014 by asking for community help

Friday, November 29, 2013

SAWs, the Mission of the Greencastle Presbyterian Church that provides handicap ramps at no cost to residents of Putnam County, completed its 2013 build season recently with completion of a ramp north of Fillmore.

The Nov. 9 job was the 23rd ramp project for the SAWs (Servants at Work) group this year.

In total, SAWs has helped 71 handicapped residents of Putnam County over the past five years. Each of these residents has had the access to their homes improved by the efforts of the SAWs team.

It is important to understand that this help not only affects the recipient of the ramp or steps but also helps their family and friends. Over the past five years SAWs has learned that most handicapped persons needing help in accessing their homes are dependent upon family and friends to enter and leave their homes.

With the work of SAWs they are given freedom to carry on their lives without being dependent upon others.

"This is the wonder of the SAWs mission," SAWS coordinator John Anderson said, "for a little work SAWs affects so many.

"This is why SAWs is a perfect mission that anyone can participate in," he added. "Whether building ramps, interviewing potential recipients, or just coming to the build site and talking with the residents there is always something for volunteers to do."

SAWs volunteers are proud of the work that has been completed to date, and the team is looking forward to next year. But they are also humbled by the opportunity to provide help needed to free those trapped in their homes.

A mission that works because of support and participation of the community, SAWS needs three things to continue to function -- donations, work and volunteers.

SAWs can't provide help without donations to purchase materials and continue the work. SAWs can't provide help without volunteers to build the ramps. SAWs can't continue to help without work.

SAWs organizers believe there are hundreds of people in Putnam County in need of help accessing their homes. They want to let these people know help is available at no cost to qualified county residents.

Anyone in the community who knows someone who would benefit from this mission may contact the Greencastle Presbyterian Church office at 653-5713.

Anyone interested in volunteering or donating may also contact the church.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: