DUBLIN, Ga. — The Dublin Civitan Club has worked to help the community for more than 65 years. One way they do that is by hosting the Dublin fair. But of course all the money they raise helps children with special needs and people with disabilities.
The Dublin Civitan Club has mastered the art of giving a helping hand. Mike Brooks works as the Wheelchair Ramp Chairman he joined the club 13 years ago.
"From start to finish we can do everything in usually less than 3 to 4 hours max," Brooks said.
The club creates about 8 to 10 ramps a year. What makes the club so rewarding?
"Especially when you build one for a child," Brooks said.
Brooks remembers building a ramp for a child years ago.
"He was at the glass door for three hours. He could not wait till we put that last screw in the last board. As soon as we got through and told him we were through he zipped up and down that ramp I mean it just bring tears to your eyes," Brooks said.
"If this was just a porch and there was no ramp and somebodies in that house in a wheelchair or hospital bed and the house caught on fire, you know the outcome," Brooks said.
Most importantly the ramps give people freedom. Jeremy McCorkle started volunteering eight years ago.
"Just think how heavy a wheelchair is and somebody that can't climb up the steps and people having to have two people lift them up into their house," McCorkle said.
Currently the club has 44 members. Their three big events that help them raise money to build the ramps. Include hosting St. Patrick's day in the Spring putting flags out for folks for the holidays, and the fall fair along with other holiday events.
"For the holidays we give gift certificates and baskets for families in need both for special needs kids and those without," McCorkle said.
"Seeing the joy in the kid's faces. Anything that we can do to help the kids in our community is a great thing," McCorkle said.
Brooks says at one point they had Georgia's largest Civitan Club.
"Once you get started, when you get through you're ready to do another one right then. Go out and help somebody," Brooks said.
They hope to see more folks get involved. If you want to join you can visit the Civitan Fairgrounds in Dublin on a Wednesday afternoon at noon. They have a meeting every week at that time.
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