Asking for nothing in return, longtime area resident Peck Vaughn has been assisting community members in need for more than 50 years.

In recent days, Vaughn and his fellow volunteers reached a noteworthy milestone in their charitable giving to the community.

Last Monday, Vaughn and six other volunteers completed construction and installation of their 100th wheelchair ramp for area residents. It is a service that Vaughn has been involved with since the late 1980s.

The idea is to provide handicapped and disabled residents easy access to and from their homes. It’s also a service that brings satisfaction, said Vaughn.

“It’s a great feeling. I feel obligated to help. Whoever needs the help, it really doesn’t matter.”

Vaughn says that with three other workers, it takes about one to one-and-a half hours to complete a ramp. The whole project can be wrapped up in an afternoon. Monday’s project, said Vaughn, went quicker due to a larger workforce.

For each wheelchair ramp built, it costs the men approximately $250 to furnish the materials necessary to build it. It’s an expense that Vaughn and others pay for out of pocket.

Next Monday, Vaughn expects to start work on wheelchair ramp number 101. With little break in between, he will honor another ramp request later in the week.

The 92-year-old Vaughn is no stranger to volunteer work. A member of the Lincoln County Baptist Association, Vaughn has been seen all over town over the years, working with Habitat for Humanity or performing carpentry work on homes that have suffered fire damage.

On at least five occasions, Vaughn has helped to re-construct burned-out houses for citizens in need. It is a particularly valuable contribution, especially to those who don’t have homeowner’s insurance.

“We help with the framework and other carpentry work. Most times, we are able to get started on the house the same day,” he said.

A retired Loyd Star Attendance Center teacher, Vaughn has also worked at Brookhaven and Riverwood Funeral homes for close to 53 years, respectively. He also has received the Book of Golden Deeds from the Brookhaven Exchange Club. The award is given to a community member that exemplifies exceptional volunteerism and Christian sacrifice to the community.

Vaughn encourages citizens interested in assisting with his efforts to provide a donation to the Lincoln County Baptist Association.