Two families get cool early Christmas gifts
Families from North Fort Myers and Cape Coral got an early visit from Santa Claus, who came with a big ticket item they may not have been able to afford otherwise.
In the role of Santa was Ellsworth Heating & Cooling, which held its 11th annual Christmas in July campaign where it gives away air conditioning units to lucky families in the area.
Hopefuls came into the business’ offices and filled out an entry form, and Ellsworth sent out a newsletter which directed people to go to its website and fill out an application to win, according to Bill Barnes, president of Ellsworth.
Unlike in past years, where Ellsworth gave away one air conditioner to someone in need, Barnes said last year it began to give away two at random because the manufacturers thought it would be a great idea and came onboard.
It also made sense because the old method just didn’t prove productive anymore.
“We had an issue with people who were embarrassed to fill out the information. We went to community managers and asked if they could handle it, they said they couldn’t, and we put boxes of applications in the communities, but that was stopped because they said it was advertising,” Barnes said.
Barnes said the company got about 200 responses, and the winners were the Gordons from Cape Coral and the Phoenix family from North Fort Myers.
No other information was given, as they asked not to be quoted for the story.
The prizes were far from cheap. The units cost $4,500 and $6,000, respectively, for the 3.5- and 5-ton units. Ellsworth did whatever work the houses needed, pulled all the permits and handled all the work.
Barnes said Ellsworth, which has been in business since 1968, has always made community service its priority.
“We’re lucky. If it weren’t for people purchasing from us and repeat business, we wouldn’t be able to be here,” Barnes said. “We want to do this for the community.”