June 10, 2024

DIBOLL, Texas - For over 35 years, employees at Georgia-Pacific’s Particleboard plant in Diboll, Texas have been participating in Operation Clean Sweep, a project by the Diboll Service Club. This initiative enlists community volunteers and donations to help the elderly and disabled with home repairs.

Recently, homeowner Bobby Ryan, a retiree from the building products industry in Diboll, was diagnosed with cancer and became dependent on a wheelchair for mobility. This made it difficult for him to enjoy his backyard.

“When we got the call for help, we didn’t hesitate to put our resources and skills to work for Bobby and his wife," said Andy Parish, a Georgia-Pacific Diboll Particleboard employee and Operation Clean Sweep team lead. "After all, it’s only a couple of days of our time to build a much-needed wheelchair ramp that will make a world of difference to the Ryan family.

It took the team only two days to build the ramp. With tears streaming down her cheeks, Lillian Ryan said the ramp is a true blessing.

“This ramp will give my husband, who is now in Hospice care, the opportunity to sit outside and enjoy our backyard,” said Lillian. “I can’t put into words how much we appreciate this group of men. They are angels.”

In addition to the volunteer hours, Georgia-Pacific donated $5,000 toward the Operation Clean Sweep program.

Over the last three decades, Diboll Particleboard employees have built or repaired everything from roofs and porches to doors and ramps. “It’s one thing to tell your neighbor that you love them, but it is another thing to show them—and that’s what we are trying to do here,” said Andy.