BEDFORD — A group of local volunteers, many of them senior citizens with no professional carpentry background, has just concluded a record-breaking year of service that has transformed the lives of dozens of Lawrence County neighbors.
ramp in April.
The Bedford Lions Club, in a powerful collaboration with the Fayetteville Community and Mitchell Lions Clubs, announced they completed 32 wheelchair ramps in 2025. This achievement sets a new all-time annual record for the organization, surpassing its previous high of 25 ramps, set just one year ago.
A Legacy of Service: From 1989 to Today
The initiative began in 1989 with just three ramps. Since that humble start, the Lions have constructed a staggering 370 ramps across the region. What started as a small project has evolved into a sophisticated operation that provides “freedom” to those previously trapped inside their own homes.
(BL), Kevin Stailey (FCL), Barry Strong (BL), Don Turpen (BL), and Bob Ruble (BL) after
finishing up a new 25 ft ramp in June
“Ramp building is a great example of living the Lions Club motto ‘WE SERVE’,” stated Project Chairman Charlie Drake. “We all really enjoy the camaraderie of working together for someone in need. That person’s smile makes all the hard work worth it and gives us the incentive to help the next person.”
2025: A Year of “One Ramp Per Week”
From March 19 to December 17, the Lions maintained a relentless pace, averaging nearly one new ramp every single week. The sheer scale of the 2025 project is reflected in the numbers:
- Total Length: 836 feet of ramps constructed (ranging from 12-foot residential entries to a massive 60-foot structure).
- Volunteer Labor: 1,089 total man-hours donated.
- Additional Work: 13 homes received custom-built handrails or steps in addition to the major ramp projects.
- Manpower: Each build utilized a crew of six to ten Lions, depending on the complexity of the site.
Charles Drake (BL), Bob Ruble (BL), Ken Brumbaugh (BL), Bruce Megnin (FCL), Barry Strong (BL), Tina Drake (BL), and Chris Sites(BL) standing on a new 25 ft ramp in June, which was the 350th ramp built to date
One of the program’s most remarkable aspects is that the builders are largely retirees and senior citizens themselves. While they are not professional contractors, the quality of their work has earned them a reputation for excellence throughout Lawrence County.
The Lions provide all labor at no cost. Furthermore, the club’s dedicated Ramp Building Fund, supported by local donations and grants, is often used to cover a portion of the material costs for families who cannot afford the necessary lumber and hardware.
built in September.
For the recipients, these ramps represent more than wood and screws; they enable them to attend doctors’ appointments, visit family, and remain living independently.
