CHARLESTOWN, N.H. (WCAX) – Upper Valley students are giving back to their community through a week-long March Intensive program, building an accessibility ramp for a Charlestown woman who hasn’t been outside in a year.
Students from Hanover High School are spending the week at a home in Charlestown. The homeowner has mobility issues due to recent health problems.
“It just seemed like something that would be fun, rather than doing something at the school. It would be different, more hands-on, and helping people,” said Charlie Ryckman, a ninth grader at Hanover High School.
The accessibility ramp project is managed by Cover Home Repair, an organization that provides urgent improvements for qualifying homeowners at no cost. Volunteers, like these students, are essential.
“It is a good introduction for folks to come out and meet their neighbors and do work for them and also financially,” said the organization’s John Heath.
Materials alone for the build run about $5,000. Proceeds from Cover’s book store and thrift shop in White River Junction are paying the bills.
“These guys are spending four days with us. They are really gaining the skills. I mean, we’ve done very little. They’ve built this ramp,” Heath said.
Ryan Bradley, a Hanover ninth grader, has a little construction in his background. “Nothing on a project like this, but just like growing up with my dad, I’ve helped out,” he said.
“Learning that this ramp we built will actually help a lot and hearing her speak about it felt amazing,” Ryckman said.
Hundreds of people volunteer with the organization every year. Anyone interested can contact the store in White River Junction.
