United Way of Southeast Missouri helps keep families cool this summer
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – You may have heard the term ‘if you see a need– fill it.’ And that’s what one area organization is doing.
Can you imagine it being 98 degrees outside and having no access to AC?
For many people that nightmare is a reality. The United Way has partnered with several local organizations to help provide air-conditioning units to those in need.
Bryan Thompson is the Director for The Little Whitewater Food Pantry. He picked up food and AC units to give to families in the Bollinger County area. He says they have seen a great need this summer with families who are struggling, and they try to assist in any way they can.
“Some are on Social Security, and I’ve talked to several recently that’s had their Social Security cut or they don’t have a vehicle or the money to fix a vehicle and we have on average 65 families,” said Thompson.
During the summertime, buying food and paying for air conditioning are two hurdles families face in southeast Missouri. The United Way partners with local agencies to provide assistance to those in the community who need it the most.
Elizabeth Shelton is the Executive Director for the United Way of Southeast Missouri. She says this was a community effort.
“So these are actually coming from the members of our community going back out to help our neighbors in our community,” said Shelton.
Shelton says they’ve received a lot of calls for people needing air conditioning units this summer and through some leftover funds they were able to purchase 30 AC units. They hope to help as many as they can until supply runs out. Shelton says donations are greatly appreciated.
“And if someone wants to help us continue helping then we can donate to UnitedWayofSEMO.org or they can call well take a credit card over the phone and they just need to let us know that, that’s for AC.”
Shelton says all 30 AC units were handed out Friday.
Visit unitedwayofsemo.org to donate to the AC fund to help more families in need.
