AUSTIN — AUSTIN -- Dozens of Texas Ramp Project volunteers took part in a building blitz on Saturday to help mobility challenged neighbors in need.
In East Austin, some of them drilled, sawed, and built a ramp for Carmen Flores' father, who hasn't been home since late April.
"Really sad and really shocked because I never thought in my entire life that my dad was..."
Nine-year-old Carmen couldn't finish her sentence because she broke down in tears.
Her father, Sergio Flores Chavira, was run over by a car in late April and lost both his legs. Chavira is now wheelchair bound, which would have made getting into his own home nearly impossible.
But thanks to volunteers, who gave up their own time on a Saturday, Chavira will have a ramp when he gets home -- and his family is grateful.
"My dad can like, it's going to be more easier for him to come up here in the house and thank you for all the hard work they are doing," said 13-year-old Sergio Flores about his father.
Maria Ponce told KVUE how hard this past month has been, with Sergio translating.
"She's grateful for all these people working. She's sad that it happened to my dad because it changed his life but he's still going to move home with us," Sergio translated for his mother.
But this is why the Texas Ramp Project exists: to construct ramps for those with mobility issues.
"To see a client come out and see what they can do with it, you know, that freedom that they now have to move up and down, and helping families, even if they have to be pushed," said Randy Kerkman, a volunteer with the Texas Ramp Project.
Carmen's father is coming home from the hospital on Wednesday.
"I miss him a lot," said 9-year-old Carmen.
Nearly 150 volunteers built a total of 27 ramps in the Austin area on Saturday.
Texas Ramp Project is always looking for volunteers. To help or to request a ramp, you can call them at 214-675-1230 or visit them at TexasRamps.org.