Where There’s a Need, There’s a Way!

Pictured-left to right John Hamilton (Carlisle), Jeff Crump (Mt. Sterling), Colby Holmes (Morehead), Blake Kappes (Morehead), Carson Solis (Morehead), Brody Kappes (Morehead), Tate Letcher (Carlisle)

Submitted by Laura Davis,

Director of Public Affairs for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

On Saturday, February 29th, young men (ages 12-18) and their church leaders braved the 20-degree weather to give service to a local family with a need. The leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Owingsville became aware that a family in Mt. Sterling was in need of a wheelchair ramp.

One of the youth church leaders, John Hamilton from Carlisle, took the lead on the project. He said, “I have an extensive background in construction and currently oversee maintenance and light construction at our 4-H camp in Carlisle, so taking the lead on the project felt like a natural fit. When the service project was first proposed, the young men were pretty excited because they would get to use tools.”

With John’s experience and the support of church leaders and the full-time church missionaries, the group designed, financed, and organized the service project which included, digging into the frozen ground, cutting and assembling the boards, and setting concrete for the posts and the transition from the ramp to the driveway. The ramp was based on ADA specifications and will serve this family for many years to come.

When asked about his experience, John said, “It was a great experience for me to be able to teach a small bit of trade to the boys. The boys loved it. Every time they pulled the trigger on the impact driver, they smiled. They worked as a team digging holes, cutting boards, and mixing concrete. It was awesome, and I look forward to another project like that with them soon. It was great to see all of the young men come together on a frigid Saturday morning to work four hours for someone they had never met. It’s amazing what our youth can accomplish. We are in good hands.”

Carson Tholen, age 12, shared that “being kind to others and helping those less fortunate inspires me to continue to do acts of kindness and service for my fellow man. It also made me happy to be able to work with others and make new friends.”