7 students from the University of Connecticut are spending their winter break in Macon, and they aren't here for a vacation. They're here to build a wheelchair ramp for one handicapped man in west Macon.
Debra Rollins, Executive Director of Rebuilding Macon, said the students are here for 3 days to volunteer their time to repair homes for elderly and disabled homeowners. Rollins said they receive applications from the homeowners, and after meeting with them that's when volunteers come in.
"We go out and inspect the houses, see what they need and then try to find the right team to do the work," said Rollins.
Chris Colgan is a freshman majoring in Marketing at the University of Connecticut. He said being able to help those less fortunate is one of the highlights of his college career.
"We watched what I hope to be the last time the person who's handicapped living in this house get carried into this house because we're building this ramp and it's going to be done today and that, that's just an awesome thing for me to think about," said Colgan.
Meredith Glick, a senior at UCONN said it's amazing what a hammer and a piece of wood can do to impact lives right here in Macon. "To come to Macon, Georgia and see, you know, in a few hours that we are making an insane amount of difference in this person's life," said Glick.
David Anzini, a sophomore at UCONN and a Georgia native, said this trip is eye-opening and hits close to home. "To know that they're going to be able to just use that ramp after this, it means a lot," said Anzini.
Rollins says the students paid to come to Central Georgia to volunteer with the non-profit organization.
Rebuilding Macon says they're always looking for volunteers and if you're interested, visit their website at www.rebuildingmacon.org.
