Deadline for Ellsworth 20th ‘Christmas in July’ approaching

Story by Chuck Ballaro

There are a lot of people in need in Southwest Florida, especially after Hurricane Ian brought devastation to so many

Among those needs is air conditioning, which many have had to go without after the storm rendered their units useless

For the past 20 years, Ellsworth Heating & Cooling has held a Christmas in July event, where the company gives away air conditioning systems to those who need them most.

From now until the end of July, Ellsworth will be accepting applications from people who need a new central unit for their home Only those who really need the help need apply

William Barnes, president of Ellsworth, said the area has given the company so much to them over the past 55 years that giving back is the least they can do

Lennox will be involved, and Ellsworth will donate one on their own Barnes said they are waiting on a third manufacturer to step in and donate Please explain the situation and why you (or a friend) is in such need when you apply.

“We will go through the applications and make sure the applicants are who they are and if they really need one We’ve had people with $500,000 homes try to get free air,” Barnes said “Then, it’s a blind draw There are so many who need it ”

Those who win are also invited to a luncheon at Ellsworth offices, along with representatives for the air conditioning companies.

Considering inflation and the cost of an air condi- tioning system these days, it has become cost prohibitive for many A new system, with all the work needed to being it up to code, is between $8,000 and $10,000, Barnes said

Among the rules is you must own your home and not be a renter or lessee and the unit must be more than 10 years old. Only one entry per household.

To register, you can come to their office at 1905 N. Tamiami Trail in North Fort Myers, or go to their website at www ellsworthair com

“We’ve done this for 20 years, and without this community we can’t do anything The community is Ellsworth Heating & Cooling,” Barnes said