SAWS looking for more work to continue successful year

The Servants At Work (SAWs) Mission of the Greencastle Presbyterian Church finished building its eighth ramp of the 2014 year on Saturday, June 21.

This is the sixth year of SAWs providing handicap ramps, steps and safety rails to the disabled in and around Putnam County, and the mission is on the same trajectory it was in 2013.

"Interestingly, about this time last year we also finished our eighth ramp," John Anderson, who spearheads the SAWs effort, said. "So, we are on schedule for another good year of service to Putnam County."

"Unfortunately our current schedule only calls for six more jobs this year," Anderson continued. "Last year we completed 23 projects. If this is all the work there is for SAWs this year that is just wonderful because it means there are no more handicapped persons in the County who need our help. But, if you consider the number of rehab facilities and nursing homes in Putnam County coupled with an aging population I find it hard to believe that we have built all the ramps that are needed."

Anderson and fellow SAWs volunteers are concerned that their message is still not reaching some of those who need to hear it in Putnam County. This year, as in the past, they have used newspapers, television, radio and mailings to let people know of their offer to build handicap ramps, steps, and safety rails at no cost for those in need.

SAWs has now added a Facebook page at facebook.com/SAWSGreencastle, as well as the website yourgpc.blogspot.com. The sites provide even more information about SAWs and its efforts.

"With all this effort I believe we have it pretty well covered the County with our information, but still the phone is not ringing like last year," Anderson said. "So, I am asking you, the residents of Putnam County, to help us find those that need us.

Citizens can be a big help to our mission by letting friends and neighbors know about SAWs and sharing the SAWs Facebook page and blog with others

Remember we are not selling a product; but rather are offering to help our fellow citizens who need us," Anderson said. "I truly believe there are people out there that need our help, but we just have not found them yet.

"Your support of the SAWs Mission to help your handicapped neighbors will be greatly appreciated."

The next SAWs effort will be another new undertaking for the mission, as SAWS will partner with volunteers from First National Bank in Cloverdale in a joint project to build a large ramp in the Castle Trailer Park.