close

Ellsworth to again give away AC units

2 min read

Ellsworth Heating & Cooling has been around more than 50 years and one of the secrets to its longevity is that it has always given back to the community.

The North Fort Myers firm will do that once again as throughout the month of July, it will accept applications for its Christmas in July giveaway of three new air conditioning units to the area residents in need.

For the second straight year, Ellsworth will get an assist from the North Fort Myers Community Coalition, a group that consists of the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, the North Fort Myers Civic Association and the Rotary.

The contest has been held since 2003 and has taken on many forms over the years. William Barnes, president of Ellsworth, said the program started as a way to get someone an AC system who might otherwise not be able to afford it.

A winner will be selected at the beginning of August. Anyone in the Lee County area can enter.

“We’ve been in business for 51 years, so we feel the need to give back. Last year, we began to work with the coalition so they could find some people who could use the air conditioner and help someone out,” Barnes said.

A new central air unit is not cheap. The average unit can cost upwards of $6,000 or more, Barnes said. Many of those who enter the contest have AC units that are either very old or no longer function.

People can sign up on the Ellsworth website or the coalition websites or register in person at Ellsworth’s offices at 1905 N. Tamiami Trail or pick up a form at the Chamber of Commerce office at the Shell Factory.

Barnes said he would also drop forms off at area communities.

Entries must be submitted by July 31. The winner will be selected the first week of August and will be celebrated at their offices with a luncheon with members of the coalition and Santa.

“We really want to change a life and help people who really need it. We stopped doing that for a while, but this is better because we can give one to someone who really needs it,” Barnes said.

Contact Ellsworth Heating & Cooling toll free at 866-281-5199.