Community Joins Hands to Help Local Woman Stay Cool
In College Station, Texas, a local woman known for her warm heart and dedication to her community confronted a hefty problem in her home. Thanks to the goodwill of neighbors and the support of a caring air conditioning company, she can now rest easier in her comfortable abode.
The Feel The Love Initiative
Since 2009, an initiative called Feel The Love by an air conditioning and heating solutions company, Lennox, has aimed to reward community champions who deserve a helping hand. Each year, they provide a new air conditioning unit to someone in need, and this year’s recipient is a remarkable woman from College Station, known for her years of service.
Spotlighting a Community Gem
Meet Jessica Wilson, a dedicated library assistant with over 20 years of experience. Her enthusiasm and passion shine through as she guides children to discover the magic of books, whether they are fiction or nonfiction. “I love giving the kids that opportunity to find that book and that story or that interest,” she said with a radiant smile. However, Jessica faces daily challenges. Living with cerebral palsy, she relies greatly on her service dog, Jigsaw, to assist her in navigating life. “I can’t do what I do without them. They give me a little more confidence,” she added.
A Costly Dilemma Emerges
Despite her unwavering commitment to her community, Jessica encountered a tough hurdle this year. During the spring, she learned that a crucial part of her air conditioning unit would cost up to $6,000 to replace. “I was stressing out trying to figure out how I was going to pay for it,” she revealed. Feeling overwhelmed, Jessica disclosed her struggles to a close friend — the same friend who ultimately nominated her for the Feel The Love initiative. Without a new system, Jessica worried about her ability to stay cool during the hot months in Texas.
The Power of a Nomination
Upon hearing about Jessica’s situation, her friend immediately put pen to paper, sharing Jessica’s story and the work she does for her community. This nomination letter caught the attention of Carl Walthall, founder and president of Superior Air Repair, a local heating and cooling company. Carl expressed how many nominations they received, but Jessica’s situation resonated deeply with him and his team. “We were looking for someone who gives back and is deserving,” he said.
A Gift of Comfort
In an exciting turn of events, Superior Air Repair collaborated with Lennox to provide Jessica with a brand new air conditioning unit, valued at around $12,000. The team quickly got to work, installing the unit and ensuring Jessica could feel comfortable in her home once again. “For me, temperature control is a bit difficult as far as body regulation,” she mentioned. With her new AC, she said she could finally breathe easy knowing she would always have a comfortable temperature at home.
Gratitude and Relief
Even after the installation, Jessica remained in disbelief. “I don’t have to worry about, ‘Am I going to come home and the AC’s out?’ That’s a big plus for me,” she expressed, her heart brimming with gratitude. Knowing she now has a safe and cozy home brings her much-needed peace.
In College Station, the spirit of community shines bright, reminding us all how a little help goes a long way. Jessica’s story is a heartwarming example of the positive change that can happen when we come together to support one another.