Local 351 Builds Wheelchair Ramp for Local Family

Earlier this month, Local 351 Member Action Committee (MAC) of the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters (IKORCC) volunteered time and skills to build a wheelchair ramp for a local family in need.

Lois Aay, a retired secretary of Local 50, Plumbers and Pipefiitters, needed a ramp for her husband Willy who lost his leg as a result of diabetes. Without a ramp attached to their home, Lois was left hauling snowmobile ramps to their front door any time Willy had to go somewhere. It was extremely tough for Lois to move the ramps to and from their front door, and the Local 351 MAC was eager to help the family.

Local 351 MAC worked closely with the Aays to design and draw blueprints of the ramp, and eight total members volunteered an entire day to build a wheelchair ramp for easy access in and out of the house. In addition, the carpenters built a deck area for Willy to be able to go outside and enjoy the sun and fresh air.

“When we found out that Willy and Lois needed a ramp at their house, we didn’t hesitate to offer a helping hand,” said Dan Morey of the IKORCC. “On the day of the project, the weather wasn’t on our side, but our MAC members pushed through the steady rain to complete the ramp. We knew Willy had an upcoming doctors appointment, and we didn’t want Lois to have to use heavy snowmobile ramps again. We are really happy to have made a difference in their lives.”

“Willy and I would like to give a standing ovation to Local 351 for coming to our home and building a wonderful and useful ramp and deck,” commented Lois Aays. “Being only 4’11”, it has helped me so much with getting Willy to doctor appointments by myself. The volunteers were amazing, and they were a true union – wonderful volunteers and dedicated men who will never be forgotten by our family.”

Local 351 MAC members who worked on the project include Luciana Briones, Rodney Dean, Lee Daher, Dan Morey, Jim Powers, Mike Sager, Anthony Santellana and Dave Schertz.

For more information, please contact Dan Morey at dmorey@ikorcc.com.