Project Cool Breeze a breath of fresh air for needy seniors

Project Cool Breeze, a Charleston initiative that provides the elderly with free air conditioners and fans, is getting ready to help people of limited means beat the heat for a ninth year.

The program is mostly funded by private donations, and distributed more than 300 new air conditioners last year, as well as some fans for residents who preferred them.

"The sweltering summer months pose, for some people, not only an inconvenience but a threat to their health and well being," said Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, who congratulated Councilman Wendell Gilliard for getting the program started in 1999.

"Each community should be measured on how well we take care of our senior citizens and children," Gilliard said.

Carolyn Brown administers the program as part of the Charleston Police Department's Weed and Seed program. She said Project Cool Breeze has about $3,000 and hopes to raise and spend about $40,000 this summer.

Lowe's Home Improvement sells air conditioners to the program at cost, she said.

To get an application form for a free air conditioner or fan, call 720-1987. Applicants must be at least 60 years old, but they do not have to live in Charleston.

There are no income requirements, but the program is meant to help people who don't have the means to get an air conditioner themselves.

The air conditioners are given out on a first-come, first-served basis to those who qualify, and will be distributed on several dates that have not yet been determined.

Reach David Slade at 937-5552 or dslade@postandcourier.com.