Grant for elevator provides relaxation and relief
The population in Wing is steadily declining. And the
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Vollmer demonstrates how visitors use the elevator to access the fellowship hall and bathrooms downstairs. |
people who live there…well, many are predictably getting older—and have a few more aches and pains.
Few community activities happen regularly in a town of 200 people, but one event they can always count on—worship services every Sunday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
The only church left in town, Bethlehem Lutheran Church welcomes people of all ages and denominations. Allen Vollmer, president of the church council, estimates about 90 members belong to the church, and 40 attend service on any given Sunday.
Because it’s one of the larger gathering places in town, the church is also used to hold funerals, weddings and other events as needed. Unfortunately, the church’s fellowship hall and bathrooms are located down a flight of stairs with a fairly sharp turn. And for some folks, it was a real effort to make the trek to the basement for relaxation and relief.
To address the growing problem, church leaders discussed the possibility of adding a church elevator. They priced one out with Great Plains Rehabilitation in Bismarck and hired the company to do the installation. The cost of the elevator came to $18,786.
“We serve the community, and it seemed like the right thing to do,” Vollmer says.
To pay for the elevator, the church accepted a generous donation from a family in Wing, but it wasn’t enough to cover the expenses. So Vollmer says church members applied for an Operation Round Up grant through Capital Electric Cooperative.
When the Charitable Trust board of directors met to determine grant worthiness, they agreed the church had a compelling, specific need. Directors then awarded the church a $1,000 grant.
“Whoever came up with the program, it’s a good one,” affirms Vollmer, who is himself a Capital Electric member. “Nobody notices when their bill is rounded up, and it’s amazing how many dollars can add up to do some good. We were very happy to get the grant.”
While the church still needs to raise approximately $3,800 to pay off the elevator, Vollmer indicates the purchase has already been worth the expense.
“It’s certainly been used already. We have some handicapped people in the church who can now go up and down without any effort,” he affirms.