Ramping Up & Giving Back

It’s not every day that everything lines up just right, but sometimes the universe surprises you. 

I had been looking for volunteer opportunities for my day job, something that would bring our team together in a meaningful way and let us give back to our community. Around the same time, Logan mentioned an organization that he had volunteered with before: Operation Ramp It Up. They build ramps for individuals with mobility challenges, and he couldn’t recommend them more. 

I reached out to the founder to see if there were any opportunities in Denver. Unfortunately, at the time, they hadn’t yet expanded into the Denver area.

But just a few weeks later, I got a call. That’s when it started to feel like something bigger was at play. 

Meet the Family

I was told about a local family and their 19-year-old son, who has a rare chromosome deletion. He’s nonverbal and unable to walk. Every time he needed to leave the house, his parents would carry him on their backs down the steps. As he got older, that routine became harder and riskier for everyone. The need for a ramp wasn’t just about convenience; it was about safety and independence.

They were looking for just a few volunteers for the build. I knew that wouldn’t work for my larger day job team, but it felt like the perfect opportunity for The Lavender District to show up.

Rolling Up Our Sleeves

So, my mom, Logan, and I laced up our sneakers and drove to the family’s home. (And yes, my mom and I were proudly rocking our Pela Apple Watch bands while we worked. Shout out to Pela for designing sustainable accessories that last!)

When we arrived, we met the contractor who would be guiding us through the process. He partners with Operation Ramp It Up on their volunteer builds and has dedicated his work to helping families who need ramps, completely free of charge.

Even better? Operation Ramp It Up is sustainable! Instead of building new ramps from scratch every time, they reuse ramps from families who no longer need them, modifying them to fit new homes. It’s people helping people, and ramps helping people, too.

Three Hours That Changed Everything

We spent about three hours building the ramp, drilling, measuring, and adjusting. (My mom was a pro at measuring; it became her designated job.) With guidance, we followed instructions and did our part. We also had the chance to spend time with the family, and it was impossible not to feel how much this project meant to them.

During the build, a local news crew captured the story. They were moved by the family and by the impact of this simple act of service. Their coverage helped shine a light on Operation Ramp It Up and how people can get involved locally.

And then came the moment we’d all been waiting for, we watched their son use the ramp for the very first time. I don’t think any of us will forget that. (You can watch the story here and see it for yourself!)

A Beginning

This was our very first volunteer outing as The Lavender District, but it certainly won’t be our last. 

We believe in building a community where people show up for one another, whether it’s through thoughtful products, shared stories, or acts of service. Volunteering with Operation Ramp It Up reminded us of how much impact a few hours of your time can have. It reminded us why we started The Lavender District in the first place. 

We’re excited to continue building, not just ramps, but relationships, support systems, and stronger foundations for the people around us. 

Here’s to giving back, and here’s to community!