Life in Gastonia received a letter from a resident here on the Westisde that needed some help. Part of the letter is as follows:
I am 51 years old. I am in need of a window unit air conditioner. I am on disability and can not afford to buy one. If you know of some one that is giving one away I would appreciate having it. Also I don't have transportation to pick it up. I know this is asking a lot but I don't know where to turn to get help. I have fans but they are just blowing hot air. Last night it was 93 degrees in the house around 10pm. I open the windows and doors during the day but that does not seem to help. I am afraid to keep the windows and doors open during the night because someone might come in here and do me harm.
As part of our Beat the Heat program we try to help anyone that needs assistance during the hot summer months. The staff looked into the request and deemed it not only a valid need but one that should be taken care of sooner than later. We sent out a request to the readers and within 24 hrs we had enough funds to buy a brand new window unit that would cool the resident's whole apartment. Wehavee the best readers in the world and some of the most generous.
Several of the donors asked to remain anonymous and we will honor that request but we wanted to give a special thanks to everyone that contributed. We also wanted to note that because of one particular donor that gave a large amount we also were able to make a donation to the Blessings in A Backpack program for elementary kids in some of the Gaston County Schools.
There was a need, and because of your generosity it was filled. Wereceivedd a thank you note from the resident who received the air conditioner and just the reaction he had when we showed up within 48 hrs of his request was overwhelming. He was truly grateful and appreciative and we were honored that we able to facilitate this truly loving deed. He sent several thank you notes and the last one read:
I just wanted to say once again thank you for providing me with an air conditioner. I am enjoying the cool air. It is a blessing to me. Thank you so much.
Gastonia residents are great and one of the best attributes of this city.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Life in Gastonia Staff
