Local students are hoping to raise enough funds for a project to install handicap accessible doors at the Fowlerville Senior Center.

Students in the Fowlerville Online Learning Academy are looking to help out the senior center, located at 203 North Collins Street. The building was originally built by the district and used as an elementary school in 1949. The Academy’s computer lab used to be located in the senior center but recently moved. Bonds were established between students and senior citizens, many of whom use canes or walkers. Two years ago, students worked to raise about $14,000 to help fund a project to replace all of the windows. The doors at the two entrances to the building are more than 50 years old and the seniors are already replacing those at a cost of $6,400. Students in the Academy wanted to go a step further and want to raise $4,000 make the main front entrance handicap accessible, with electric doors.

The cost to make the doors handicap accessible is an additional $4,000 and the idea came from 10th grade student Cassidy Duffield. She noticed what a hard time some of the seniors had opening the doors every day, so she regularly would open doors for them. Fowlerville Community Schools Technology Director Grace Damerow says many times seniors have their hands full, as the center also has a small food pantry. She says they’ve been fundraising and soliciting donations but they could use a boost as they would like to have handicap hardware installed at the same time the new doors are installed.

Students have also been approaching Fowlerville businesses and collecting cans and bottles. Damerow says they have a bit of a ways to go before hitting their goal and would appreciate any support from the community. More information and a link to donate is provided. (JM)