The holidays are a great time to focus on things Made in Michigan out of kindness. That took Kevin Usealman to the Disability Resource Center in Bay City, a group that builds wheelchair ramps for people in need for free.
It is a community volunteer effort. Local engineers, builders and others build most of the ramp in a warehouse before taking it to the site.
"We've built ramps in rainstorms and snowstorms," said Bob Schubert, who is part of the board of directors. "Because if the need is there in the middle of the winter and someone needs a ramp, we'll go out and build it for 'em."
Disability Resource Center has been providing help in Bay County for 77 years. They not only build ramps, but they provide wheelchairs, walkers and other supplies. Most of the money comes from private donations that Schubert said is stretched as far as possible, even recycling material from used ramps.
"There's no money wasted," Schubert said. "If it comes here, it stays here. We serve the community."
Schubert said the service itself is the reward.
"When we put that ramp on, and when the ramp is finished and they can actually roll out their door, go down their ramp and have their own freedom, it's an incredible experience," Schubert said. "It's humbling to see how happy they are and how excited they are to be able to leave their homes."
The Disability Resource Center is located at:
1820 N. Trumbull Dr.
Bay City, MI 48708-5444
(989) 895-5444
www.dsrcbc.org
