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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Bernie Sanders says he's relying on high turnout to win Oregon primary ... Jackson County officials predict 50 percent voter turnout in Tuesday's primary ... Judge tosses out Josephine County's GMO crop ban ... Bernie Sanders says he's relying on high turnout to win Oregon primary ... Jackson County officials predict 50 percent voter turnout in Tuesday's primary ... Judge tosses out Josephine County's GMO crop ban ... JACKSONVILLE Kiwanis, United Way team up to help Jacksonville woman Kiwanis, United Way build a ramp for Jacksonville woman with arthritis Comment By Rebecca Scott Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Rebecca Scott Mail Tribune Posted May. 16, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Rebecca Scott Mail Tribune Posted May. 16, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News With the help of two local organizations and selfless volunteers, Shirlene McKinney can stay in her home and continue to live independently. McKinney suffers from rheumatoid arthritis in her hands and knees. The steep steps outside her home make daily tasks difficult, such as bringing in her groceries. After reaching out to the community, McKinney received help from the Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville and United Way. Members of the Kiwanis Club built a ramp outside her home leading up to the front door. "It's such a blessing." McKinney said he could not imagine her life without the ramp or the help of the organizations that made it possible. Richard Armas, a lone remaining charter member of Kiwanis in Jacksonville, has been part of the organization for 42 years. "We have completed over 300 projects building ramps like this," he said. Working with a friend on an uncharacteristically warm spring day, Armas was at the lumber yard at 7:30 a.m. gathering materials for the project. The lightweight ramp is covered with a granulated surface for traction and took only a few hours to complete. McKinney couldn't help but smile as she walked down the ramp. "I'm thrilled," she said, adding that she hopes to have a ramp built for her back steps, which are also steep. Work can begin once enough money is raised. Armas was initially contacted by United Way about McKinney's situation. Kiwanis agreed to build the ramp, and United Way paid for the materials. Armas has spent nearly half a century as a member of Kiwanis and helping the community. In addition to working on multiple community projects, Kiwanis awards a scholarship at South Medford High School each year. "Kiwanis is a 'roll up your sleeves and do it' kind of an organization," Armas said. Reach newsroom assistant Rebecca Scott at 541-776-4477 or by email at [email protected]. By Rebecca Scott Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Rebecca Scott Mail Tribune Posted May. 16, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501