To give their fifth-floor tenants some much-needed relief from the heat, the YWCA of Wheeling is seeking donations of air conditioners and fans.
When the temperature hits 90 degrees Fahrenheit outside, it feels even hotter on the building's fifth floor, where several long-term tenants pay rent to live.
There are a couple old air conditioners in use in common areas, but because of their age they don't provide much cold air these days.
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Photo by Shelley Hanson
YWCA of Wheeling resident Lauren Rogers, left, talks with the facility’s executive director, Carry Byrum, on the building’s fifth floor, where some good air conditioners and fans are needed to help cool residents.
Some of the women have box fans in their rooms.
But when it is scorching outside, the air inside also is hot, often making going to sleep impossible for the women.
Carry Byrum, YWCA executive director, said the organization is seeking donations, as it currently does not have money to buy new air conditioners on its own.
The YWCA will pick up air conditioners or fans: call 304-232-0511.
The items can also be brought to the YWCA, located at 1100 Chapline St., Wheeling. Byrum said air conditioners with at least 110 volts are preferred, but any size would be appreciated.
She noted money collected from the renters is being saved to pay utility bills this winter.
During cold months when the boiler must be used, the heating bill averages $10,000 a month, Byrum said.
''At this point, we're happy to have air conditioners in the common areas. It would be tough to decide who got air conditioners if we didn't get enough for everybody,'' Byrum said, noting there are 19 rooms on the fifth floor.
The fifth floor is set up much like a dormitory, containing single rooms and a community bathroom, living area and kitchen.