Home builders help the elderly
FROM STAFF REPORTS Gulf Breeze News news@gulfbreezenews.com

Submitted photo West Calhoun, President of the Home Builders Association of West Florida, delivers air conditioning units to the Council on Aging of West Florida.

To help area senior citizens beat the harsh summer heat, the Home Builders Association of West Florida (HBA) donated 25 air conditioners to the Council on Aging of West Florida.

"I am so pleased that our members responded in such a remarkable and caring way," said HBA President West Calhoun, of West Calhoun Construction Company, who leads the 600-plus corporate member trade association serving Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. "In less than 24 hours, we were able to raise $4,000 to purchase the air conditioning units. The remaining funds will go towards helping Council on Aging purchase more units or help the elderly in other ways."

August is typically a month where temperatures reach well into the upper 90's and 100's, which makes it increasingly difficult for the elderly to cope, especially without fans or cooling units. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to being adversely affected by excessive heat as they are prone to slower adjustment of the body to changes in temperature, increased risks associated with chronic medical conditions and effects of prescription medicines that can impair the ability to regulate temperature or inhibit perspiration.

"Because of the generosity of the Home Builders Association and other community minded donors, we are going to be able to make a huge impact in the lives of many elderly citizens," said Jeff Nall of the Council on Aging of West Florida.

New air conditioners and fans can be donated to Council on Aging of West Florida at 875 Royce Street in Pensacola. Financial contributions designated for "Senior Chill Out" should be mailed to Council on Aging of West Florida, PO Box 17066, Pensacola, Fla, 32522. For more information on how to help, contact Council on Aging of West Florida at 850-432-1475.