GUYTON, Ga. – With faith and determination, Bubba and Stephanie Shaw have built a grassroots nonprofit that turns scrap metal into life-changing mobility equipment for veterans and people with disabilities – all at no cost to recipients.

From their quiet neighborhood in Guyton, the Shaws run the Wish to Walk Foundation, a project Bubba relaunched in 2007 to give back to others like him. Bubba, 39, was born with cerebral palsy, a disorder that affects movement, balance and posture. After receiving therapy abroad through an earlier version of the foundation, he wanted to pay that gift forward – and found a way to do it with the help of his wife and a trailer full of scrap metal.

Turning scrap into support

Dressed in jeans, a blue button-up shirt and cowboy boots, Bubba sits beside Stephanie in their driveway as she sorts through a pile of metals. The trailer they use sits ready to be hauled to SA Recycling, where proceeds from the scrap fund refurbished or new wheelchairs, walkers, bath chairs and more.

“We started with two wheelchairs – I bought one and my grandfather bought the other,” Bubba said. “When we gave them out, the seed set and it grew from there.”

Stephanie, 35, originally from Cairo, Georgia, owns a transportation company that donates 30% of its revenue to the foundation. She’s also hands-on with repairs and hauling scrap, calling herself simply “the helper.”

Requests for help often start with a Facebook post. A neighbor mentions a loved one in need, and Bubba reaches out. If he doesn’t have what’s needed, he finds it or fixes it. If a piece of equipment can’t be repaired, it’s scrapped – fueling the next donation.

All services are free.

Veterans first: A mission rooted in gratitude

Bubba and Stephanie met in 2014 on Christian Mingle. Now married with four children, they work side by side to make a difference.

The first person the Shaws helped was a veteran. After losing both hands and feet while in the service, he lost his will to live. When Bubba asked what he wanted to do most, the veteran said he wanted to cut grass.

Bubba told him not to make an impulsive decision for 30 days – to give them time to make something happen. After 15 days, the Shaws refurbished an old zero-turn mower.

Alterations were made so the veteran could use his arms to control the handles. It was a defining moment for Bubba and cemented the foundation’s mission.

Their work has touched dozens of families, including Sherrie Carmichael’s. A parole investigator in Georgia, Carmichael connected with the Shaws after her brother was attacked and left with lasting injuries. Bubba provided him with a walker – the first of many times he would help her family.

“He’s always reaching out to people, always trying to help,” Carmichael said.

Bubba later provided a walker for an elderly man and a bath chair for her mother-in-law.

“Mother passed away last year, but it was a blessing and so much easier getting her in and out of the shower,” Carmichael said.

Growing the foundation, one gift at a time

For Bubba, giving back is personal. A self-described “military brat,” his father served 22 years in the military, and both grandfathers served 24 years. One grandfather, a Vietnam veteran, was diagnosed with liver sclerosis after exposure to Agent Orange – despite never drinking a day in his life.

As a boy, Bubba often accompanied his grandfather to base, listening to veterans share stories from Iraq and Afghanistan. Their struggles inspired him to help.

The nonprofit recently received its official tax-exempt status, and Bubba hopes to grow the foundation’s reach with help from local businesses and scrap metal partners.

Sometimes, people try to take advantage. One person launched a smear campaign to pressure the Shaws into giving them a high-end recliner; others have faked military service to receive donations.

“I know the questions to ask,” Bubba said. “If I find out you’re lying to me, I’m going to walk away. You’re not going to disgrace a real veteran.”

Steven Lewis, a veteran and material handler for a local business, met Bubba through Facebook Marketplace. Bubba responded to a post Lewis made about having scrap metal. Upon meeting him, Lewis admired Bubba’s determination, professionalism and courtesy.

Lewis later connected Bubba with an elderly man who needed a generator and a bathroom chair – which Bubba was able to provide.

Each year, the Shaws also organize a Christmas program for families in need, regardless of disability. Bubba starts reviewing requests three months in advance, narrowing down candidates with the help of a panel.

One of Bubba’s favorite sayings – “Together we can move mountains” – reflects not just his faith, but the small army of friends, family and neighbors who chip in to help. Even strangers stop to lend a hand when they see the couple disassembling metal in the yard.

“That actually comes from my mother and my wife,” Bubba said. “My mother will get out here and help take apart things. Neighbors have shown up, too, because if you don’t take the metal apart, you don’t get the most money for it.”

Bubba and Stephanie’s two children also help with the foundation.

For friends like Mike Goodis and Randy Boutwell, who both received mobility aids for family members, Bubba and Stephanie represent more than kindness – they’re a lifeline.

“They’re always more than willing to help in any situation they can,” Boutwell said.

Their hard work continues to pay off. On Tuesday, Bubba will receive a $1,000 check from SA Recycling in Savannah, Ga., which will go toward the foundation.

Bubba caught the attention of SA Recycling after leaving a comment about the center’s prices on its Facebook page. The center quickly took interest in who Bubba was – and his mission to help others in his community.

“He has an inspirational story, and we wanted to help him in his mission to bring positive change to the community,” said Madison Elliott, Savannah regional general manager for SA Recycling.

In a world full of need, the Shaws are determined to be part of the solution.

“We believe in what the Bible says about loving your neighbor as you love yourself,” Stephanie said.

Those who want to contribute can submit donations to the foundation’s GoFundMe, Cash App, Zelle and Venmo accounts. 

The Shaws also have a YouTube channel where they document their community work. Once the channel reaches 100,000 subscribers, proceeds will go toward charity.

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sweetpeaandcowboy3215