A Barnwell County United Way agency and a private home located in Blackville, South Carolina, benefitted from more than a dozen Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) employees volunteering their time, skills and energy for this year’s Project Care.

Every year, Savannah River Site employees work during their day off on projects that will improve the living conditions of disadvantaged children, low-income senior citizens, single-parent homeowners, specific United Way agencies and, in this case, the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia’s Camp Tanglewood and a disabled homeowner’s residence. Projects Care (Barnwell County), Vision (Aiken County) and Serve (Richmond County), assist United Way agencies and private residents annually. Projects include painting jobs, repairing flooring, putting up drywall, replacing rotting boards, fixing faulty plumbing, performing yard work, building fences and constructing wheelchair ramps.

“The attitudes of those who serve are always amazing,” said Josh Givens, SRS Project Care Lead and SRNS employee. “The group we had here today was great. They showed up ready to hit the ground running.” Givens explained that the owner of the Blackville residence was wheelchair-bound and could not afford the construction of a chair ramp. “She was extremely grateful,” he said. “It gives her the freedom of movement she desired, while decreasing her dependence on others. Our team immediately recognized this significant need and worked hard to make it a reality. There’s a big need for wheelchair ramps in Barnwell, Bamberg and Allendale counties.” SRNS Site Services’ Pamela Lott also spent the day working on the ramp. She said, “Anytime you can go out and help people in need, I’m all for it. It’s been an important part of my 34 years at SRS — assisting with any United Way program. I encourage others to get involved, as well.”