On a clear, warm fall morning last week, Marty Boyer could have been fishing, taking a stroll or working on his own yard.

Instead, the retired school administrator and some friends were building a ramp at a mobile home south of Festus for a man who uses a wheelchair.

Boyer and pals Jim Burgert and Jim Bowman form a volunteer crew that works for Hammers of Hope, a charitable endeavor of the Jefferson County Community Partnership in cooperation with the Disability Resource Association.

Hammers of Hope offers free home repairs to low-income families, seniors and persons with disabilities who live in the county.

The program's current project is "A Thanksgiving to Remember," in which people donate their time to construct 10 accessibility ramps around the county. The project is intended to have the ramps in place in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, although some ramps may take longer to complete.

"This is an easy way to help some folks without much effort," said Boyer, 61, of Festus. "We're outside. And it's enjoyable to work with people who know what they're doing. My partners have pretty good skills."

Burgert, 59, is a retired industrial technology teacher and Bowman, 65, is a retired printer. Both are Herculaneum residents.

"I figure, in my lifetime, I've been blessed," Burgert said. "I feel you need to do something for other people who are less fortunate than you."

Boyer, Burgert and Bowman form one of the top crews that donate time for Hammers of Hope, according to Dennis Murphy of the Jefferson County Community Partnership.

"Marty and his crew have done several projects for us," Murphy said. "In fact, they were responsible for our very first project, a ramp in this mobile home park."

Murphy was standing in the Oak Manor Trailer Court, where Boyer and his crew were working.

Murphy said the "A Thanksgiving to Remember" ramp effort is financed through a $15,000 donation from Boeing. Donations from corporations, private groups and individuals allow Hammers of Hope to help people throughout the year on various projects. Since it began in Jefferson County in November 2008, the program has completed 80 different projects.

Murphy said Hammers of Hope is always seeking more volunteers, Often, church or civic groups volunteer as a team, although individuals are welcome. Businesses also take on projects for Hammers of Hope, he said.

"We could still use help on (the assistance ramp project)," he said. "We can use volunteers all year. As long as the weather cooperates and we have the funding, we continue to build."

Murphy said the assistance ramp effort is of special importance to those who use wheelchairs.

"These people need to be able to get in and out of their homes to get to medical appointments, shopping," he said.

To donate, volunteer or for more information, contact Murphy at 636-464-5144, ext. 15, or visit jccp.org.

Immediate projects

Hammers of Hope needs volunteers for two projects.

In one, volunteers are needed to replace and paint fascia board on the back of a house in Arnold. Once completed, St. Louis Gutter and Siding will install seamless guttering for free.

In the other, volunteers are needed to do concrete work on a 4-foot by 8-foot sidewalk area at a residence in Festus.

To volunteer, call 636-464-5144, ext. 15, or visit jccp.org.