On September 5th, Keystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters (KML) Local 158 members along with members of Iron Workers Local 401 and Electricians Local 98 completed the installation of a new wheelchair lift and ramp at 236 North Wilton Street in Philadelphia for Cianni Thornton. Thornton is a 7-year-old girl with cerebral palsy and is unable to walk or talk and is cared for by her grandmother Charlotte Thornton.
The automated wheelchair lift built by the KML carpenters will alleviate the daily obstacle of Cianni getting in and out of their home.
“This project means the world to us because we strive to give back to the communities we live and work in,” said Keystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters Senior Area Manager Michael Hand. “This ramp is custom-fitted to make Cianni’s life easier by eliminating the need for her grandmother to carry her wheelchair up and down these stairs. It truly means a lot when we can use our skills and expertise to work alongside other talented craftspeople to help change a person’s life.”
The KML carpenters used pressure treated 2 x 6’s and 2 x 8’s to build the deck and temporary railing to support the wheelchair lift and also laid down outside carpeting. Iron Workers Local 401 installed the steel railing at no cost and Electricians Local 98 installed a new breaker, running the conduit through the front wall and a weatherproof ground floor circuit interrupter (GFCI) exterior outlet that will power the lift.
The lift and free installation were donated by 101 Mobility, a handicap mobility installation company based out of Philadelphia. In addition to the in-kind man hours, the KML also donated the lumber and various other materials to build the new porch.
“I am completely blown away by the hard work and generosity by everyone involved,” said Charlotte Thornton. “This lift means the world to us and will improve our lives greatly. We no longer have to dread trying to get up and down the stairs to our home — I am beyond grateful.”
About Keystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters
The Keystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters represents more than 43,000 members across our extensive territory. Our jurisdiction spans the states of New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and 10 counties in North Carolina and the District of Columbia. Within KMLRCC, there are 11 training centers that currently train 1,800 Apprentice Carpenters in conjunction with our numerous Contractors to satisfy the workforce needs of our industry. Our members come from many trade groups, each highly skilled and ready to work. See below to learn more regarding our skills and dedication to the carpentry craft.
