TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Going without heat in cold weather can be life-threatening for seniors in our area, but Elder Care Services in Tallahassee is giving away space heaters to help.
Elder Care Services gives out about 200 space heaters each year when the weather turns cold. On Dec. 2, they were down to the last two heaters.
Eddie Brown was one of the lucky ones on their space heater waitlist.
"Well, I came to pick up me a heater cause I needed a little space heater, and I had to ask for it earlier," said Brown.
Brown is one of more than 100 seniors hoping to get their hands on a free space heater to keep them warm this season.
"We do have a waiting list," said Jocelyn Fliger, the CEO of Elder Care Services. "Every year we service hundreds of seniors that rely on these devices, these heaters to stay warm in their homes when it becomes very cold."
Fliger said there's an even greater need this year as families struggle to purchase heating supplies in addition to cleaning supplies and other needs associated with the pandemic.
"When families are impacted seniors are impacted," Fliger said. "So as we see families struggle during the pandemic, lost wages, more childcare being needed at home, the seniors in those homes are also suffering."
Fliger said there is still a waitlist, but members of our community answered the call for seniors in need.
"We've had a tremendous outpour from the community in regards to our heater drive, and we've distributed many heaters in the past few days," said Fliger. "We still do have a waiting list, so if folks are inclined, they can either drop off heaters to our location on W. Tennessee Street or have them sent here via mail."
While heaters are a top priority, there are other ways you can help.
"Blankets are also a great way that we can ensure that seniors are staying warm without increasing their utility bill," said Fliger. "We're taking new blankets and they'll go straight out to our meals on wheels clients and other seniors that are sheltering at home."
For more information on how to donate, click here.
