On June 5, University City resident Viola Bolden received a generous donation from Air Comfort Service in Hazelwood, which could possibly have saved her life.
Bolden is an 80 year old citizen who lives alone. She had received several bids to repair a malfunctioning A/C unit and thermostat. Without funds, however, Bolden turned to the U. City Police Department (UCPD) for help. Victim Advocate Kelly McGee made calls to several social service agencies. On a day when temperatures were expected climb over 93 degrees, McGee and Officers Spearman and Burks stopped in to check on Bolden. With no resources for the needed repairs, that was all they could do.
McGee continued making appeals to a number of A/C contractors, to no avail. However, just as she was about to relay the unfortunate news to Bolden, Air Comfort Service stepped in to donate free repairs of the malfunctioning unit and thermostat.
Bolden was ecstatic. "It took two days because of all the rewiring. This was a pretty big job. But I just can㦙 imagine what I would have done without Air Comfort𠏋 generosity and compassion. I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart." she said.
Air Comfort Service is co-owned by Corey Malone and Joe Papa. "We just couldn㦙 walk away from this one," explained Malone. "Any of us could find ourselves in this situation. And while we can㦙 help everyone, we did what we could for Ms. Bolden. It was the right thing to do."
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Unfortunately, many people endure the sizzling St. Louis summers without air conditioning. Some are children and elderly who are particularly at risk for heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
For this reason, the Christian Family Expo is sponsoring the 4th Annual St. Louis A/C drive, now through August. The service is completely free for St. Louis and the surrounding area.
You can help by donating used or new fans or A/C window units in good working order. If you can, bring them to the offices at 6421 Hampton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63109. Donations can also be picked up and taken to needy families. Call Natasha Rilenge: 314.481.7337 ext 107; e-mail: expo@christianfamilyexpo.com; or visit: www.StlACDrive.com.
For tips on staying cool and lowering utility costs at home, visit: www.amerenue.com |
