Senior Chill Out receives record number of AC units and monetary contributions

PENSACOLA — Senior Chill Out, a one-day drive to acquire donations of new air conditioners, fans and/or funds to assist seniors with heat-related challenges took place June 15 in partnership with WEAR ABC 3, WFGX 35, Cat Country 98.7, NewsRadio 1620, and Lowe’s Home Improvement. The Pensacola, Gulf Breeze and Pace communities helped Council on Aging and its clients by contributing 269 window AC units and approximately $14,500, beating last year’s numbers of 218 AC units and $9,200. The agency also received 286 fans that will help circulate cooled air for the elders.

From 6 am to 6:30 pm, Council on Aging staff, volunteers, board members and business leaders gave their time at five area Lowe’s locations to raise awareness of the challenges many elders face during Florida’s summer heat. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more people die from heat waves each year than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined. It is not uncommon, for example, for homes without proper air conditioning to reach 90 degrees during the height of summer, a plight that is not only uncomfortable but dangerous.

The elderly are particularly vulnerable to excessive heat due to their body’s decreased ability to adjust to changes in temperature. Increased risk of heat stroke among the senior population is associated with other medical conditions and prescription medicines that can inhibit perspiration. 

“In any other community, the day’s thunderstorms may have deterred some potential donors,” said John Clark, President/CEO of Council on Aging, “but Pensacola is no ordinary community. From the time the sun rose until it began to set, people braved the rain and the heat to contribute to this very worthy cause. For weeks, people have been calling our office to get placed on the list as they desperately await some relief. This year, thanks to the generosity of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, we will be able to provide that relief.” 

Council on Aging of West Florida would like to especially thank all of our media partners, as well as Azalea Trace, Barberi Heating & Air, Boutwell’s Air Masters, Climate Control AC, Commissioners Lumon May and Grover Robinson, Home Instead Senior Care, Homestead Village of Pensacola, Pete Moore Chevrolet, Sears, Sue Straughn, TLC Caregivers, Walker Wilson and all the volunteers who made this day a success. 

Senior citizens interested in receiving AC units and/or fans should call Council on Aging of West Florida at (850) 432-1475 to complete a telephone assessment. AC units and fans will be distributed from the main Council on Aging offices at 875 Royce St. in Pensacola.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Senior Chill Out receives record number of AC units and monetary contributions