Britton's wife, Sam, said the effect on Britton's psyche was just as dramatic.
"He had started to get depressed about it," she said. "It was like a prison for him not being able to go outside and be around other people."
It did not take long for the new ramp to become a bridge to the community that Britton had not been able to reach since he became confined to the wheelchair.
"This has meant so much to him," Sam said. "He has been able to go to town, he has been able to go to the store. It has meant freedom."
Although Britton may not have known much about the United Way and Day of Caring, there was a close family tie who was well versed in both.
Britton's daughter, Tallelea Brown, has participated with both for years in her job with Red Wing.
"I have always given out of my pay every month, and I have worked at Day of Caring several times," she said. "But you never think you would need the help of something like United Way. Since Daddy's gotten sick, it has been tough for him, and this was exactly what he needed. It has been awesome to see."
One of the things Britton most looks forward to is joining up with one of his friends.
"My neighbor has a chair, and we have talked a lot about wanting to get together and ride around town," he said. "Couldn't do that before, but I think we sure will now."
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SAYING THANKS
John Britton of Burgin expressed his gratefulness to United Way Day of Caring volunteers who built a wheelchair ramp at his house. See the video on our website.
