SAWs and First National Bank come together

Volunteers from Servants At Work (SAWs) and First National Bank come together to build a handicap access ramp at Castle Mobile Home Park Saturday. In all 22 people spent their morning working with SAWs, a success considering this marked the first time that SAWs has worked together with a local business to build access assistance for those in need. (photo by KYLE HOLLINGER)

A damp, rainy Saturday morning wasn't enough to stop SAWs and First National Bank volunteers from building a handicap accessible ramp for someone in need.

First National Bank and SAWs brought 22 people together Saturday to build a handicap accessible ramp at a private residence in Castle Mobile Home Park, the second ramp the organization has installed at the park.

Servants At Work (SAWs) dedicates its time to building wheelchair ramps, steps and safety rails to individual in need.

John Anderson leads Putnam County SAWs but there are 25 different groups around the state who are performing the same public service to those in need, free of charge.

And SAWs stays busy, completing ramps and assistance-based construction projects at a steady pace.

"It's a pretty rough road doing a ramp every two weeks," Anderson said regarding the persistent schedule, but it appears he wouldn't have it any other way.

Usually during this time of year there are plenty of jobs lined up for the organization, but this year, despite being on track with having completed nearly 10 ramps by mid-July, SAWs does not have as many jobs scheduled as they would like.

The organization is seeking out individuals with the kind of accessibility needs that SAWs is designed to provide.

The program and its services are provided to citizens with no strings attached, SAWs is simply attempting to make accessibility issues less of a concern for Putnam County.

The project on Saturday was not only a success in building another much-needed ramp; it was also a success for building a volunteer relationship with local businesses, the first time the organization has done so to complete a project.

There were even "extra" volunteers, with seven individuals from SAWs and an additional 15 showing up on behalf of First National Bank, which led to a little landscaping work being done in addition to the building of the new ramp.

Volunteers from Servants At Work (SAWs) and First National Bank come together to build a handicap access ramp at Castle Mobile Home Park Saturday. In all 22 people spent their morning working with SAWs, a success considering this marked the first time that SAWs has worked together with a local business to build access assistance for those in need. (photo by KYLE HOLLINGER)

The idea to collaborate was first pitched to Anderson by Todd Lewis, Vice President of First National Bank, at a Putnam County Foundation event; Anderson jumped at the opportunity.

With 22 people working in the rain, the ramp was built, flower beds were tended to and a tree was even planted.

With the completion of Saturday's project, the organization is looking for it's next series of ramps, steps or safety rails that they can install for a citizen in need.

Age was not a factor at the volunteer event, with people of all ages pitching in to build access assistance for those in need. (photo by KYLE HOLLINGER)

"Remember we are not selling a product; but rather are offering to help our fellow citizens that need our help, but we just have not found them yet," Anderson said in a statement made to the Banner Graphic. "Your support of SAWs Mission to help your handicapped neighbors will be greatly appreciated.

For more information or to request SAWs services, persons may visit the organization online at www.facebook.com/SAWSGreencastle, by telephone at the Greencastle Presbyterian Church at 765-653-5713 or by calling 765-344-1626 to contact Anderson directly.