With almost no vision, Rathdrum man chops wood to keep neighbors warm

RATHDRUM, Idaho -- A man who lost his vision is giving back to the community that helped him by cutting firewood to keep people warm.

For the last six years, Ben and Sheena Straughen have used their wood splitter to cut hundreds of pieces of firewood for vulnerable and elderly people around Rathdrum to have at no cost.

They work with the Rathdrum Lions Club, which collects the donated wood year-round.

Irene Radford burns the firewood to stay warm. She said she appreciates their work, especially since her husband passed away.

"I don't know what I'd do without them, because my husband passed away three years ago and he would go out there," said Radford.

Ben said they provide the service because it helps unite the community.

"It gets hard in the community and we try to bring that together by providing free hear to those who are elderly and disabled, and to be able to get the community together and working as one unit," said Ben.

Ben leads the volunteer project, despite being 90% blind.

"I loved sawing when I was a kid. I've done it my whole adult life, all the way up until I was blind. It's not something I wanted to stop," said Ben.

Ben's wife, Sheena, said it's all about giving back to the community.

"It feels great, honestly, because with my husband and I, with the Lions Club, we needed help. We got help from the Lions Club, and now, here we are, returning that back to the community," said Sheena.

Ben said the community offered him a lot of support during a difficult time.

"I needed help, especially when I started going blind, I needed a lot of help. I was able to have that community wrapped around me," said Ben.

Today, the community is grateful for Ben and Sheena's hard work.

"They have my back. What do I feel in your heart? I feel blessed, I really do," said Radford.

Anyone who would like to volunteer with the wood cutting project can show up at the Lions Club (16114 N Meyer Rd) at 9 a.m. on Saturdays or call Ben at 208-691-8444.

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