BELLAIRE Volunteers across the nation came out on Saturday to aid in worthwhile projects for "Make a Difference Day" and the same was true for a group from the Belmont County Habitat for Humanity who came to the aid of a man on Noble Street here.
Early Saturday morning, about 12 volunteers in total were at the home of Steve Jurco, who needed a wheelchair ramp replaced.
Jurco lost one of his legs about six years because of diabetes. Then, a little more than a year ago, he had his other leg amputated.
After the first surgery six years ago, a ramp was installed in the back of Jurco's home one that he described as being rickety and at times, a bit scary to use.
"It was steep. I was scared of the thing," Jurco said. "It didn't have any cross boards in it . . . but it severed a purpose for what it was."
The new ramp is longer and not nearly as steep. Instead of a ply-board surface, the new ramp is covered with cut pieces of 2-by-4 inch lumber and securely fastened to the porch and ground.
He had needed the ramp for some time, but it was another Habitat for Humanity project that connected Jurco to the group.
A few doors up the street a new Habitat house was being built. While the construction was taking place, Jurco went to see the progress. It was there he said he ran into Glenn Maxwell, a former site supervisor and former president of the Belmont County Habitat for Humanity.
"I went up there and told (Maxwell) what I needed and he came down and measured it up and said he'd be down here on the Oct. 24," Jurco said.
Even before it was finished, Jurco said the new ramp was a vast improvement.
"It's wonderful. There aren't enough words to express my thanks," he said.
It's not uncommon for Habitat for Humanity to pick other projects throughout the year to help with, Maxwell said. Every year they take time to help with projects to do for Make A Difference Day, as well as projects for Catholic Charities and the United Way. Along with building this ramp for Make a Difference Day, they will be traveling to Sunset Heights on Wednesday to build a set of stairs for a 92-year-old women.
Maxwell also said there are others who deserve some credit for their assistance with the project. Along with the volunteers who help build ramp, other volunteers provided lunch, while Walmart in St. Clairsville, Mor for Less in Bellaire, McDonald's in Bellaire also contributed to the project.
Schuler can be reached at shoe@timesleaderonline.com.
