Columbia, SC (WLTX) — As the summer approaches, temperatures are rising and Midlands residents are trying to adjust.
"It's hot. It's summertime, and everybody needs to be cool," says Elton Smith. That's why Smith says he's thankful for a helping hand.
"I ain't have no AC unit. Since we got this one, maybe it will be a little cooler in the house and in her room," he says.
Smith is referring to his mother, who is disabled. She spends most of her days in bed in a hot room with only a ceiling and window fan. But an initiative headed up by two Midlands men is helping people to cool off.
Derek Gamble and his brother Marshall founded a program called Operation Summer Salvation to help South Carolina residents in need.
"Operation Summer Salvation is a community outreach program that we've expanded across the state of South Carolina to service its seniors and its disabled population to make sure that everybody has a cool place to stay during the hot and humid months in South Carolina," Gamble says.
He goes on to say, "We hope to give out 500 air conditioners across the 46 South Carolina counties before the official end of summer."
Elton Smith knows the addition will change the way his family lives. "She's comfortable and she doesn't have to call and say turn on the fan," he says. "It will always be on for her."
The air conditioners are given through donations.
If you would like to donate or learn more visit their Facebook page here.