\u201cThis is over and above our normal budget, which we always donate to Loaves and Fishes in March because there\u2019s a match,\u201d\u00a0Winesburgh\u00a0said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Club members learned a few weeks ago that Loaves & Fishes needed to replace two of its air-conditioning units and decided to contribute toward the expense.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was our opportunity to give them $1,000 that could be used on the air conditioner if they\u00a0need\u00a0it,\u201d\u00a0Winesburgh\u00a0said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Two of the facility\u2019s three air-conditioning units had been malfunctioning for about a month and a half, Reeves said. Energy Air assessed the problem and estimated repairs at about $9,800. However, because the units were 19 years old, the Loaves & Fishes board decided to replace them.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The replacement cost came to\u00a0about $30,500, Reeves said. The new units were\u00a0installed\u00a0Friday while the facility was closed.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Before the replacement, temperatures inside the building remained around 80 degrees even when the thermostat was set at 74.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe next\u00a0morning,\u00a0we would come in at 7:30 in the morning, and the air was still at 80 degrees,\u201d Reeves said,\u00a0\u201cwhich meant the unit was still running all night, and it still wasn\u2019t cooling.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Staff used fans throughout the facility to cope with the heat.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was miserable,\u201d Reeves said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The need has been particularly great this year,\u00a0Winesburgh\u00a0said, \u201cbecause there\u2019s just so many people that need food.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Loaves & Fishes<\/a>\u00a0currently serves about 270 people each week, Reeves said. Recipients receive a weekly food bag\u00a0containing\u00a0about 20 to 25 items, along with monthly household and toiletry items.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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