NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Different agencies throughout Middle Tennessee are offering free air conditioners to people who qualify and live in homes without central air conditioning.
"I broke my ankle in two to three places," said Georgia Donnell, who also needs knee replacement.
Donnell said she was injured after falling because of numbness she gets in her legs. She has diabetes.
It isn't easy for her to get around and her air conditioner stopped working at the worst possible time.
She said it's so hot she can't "even half sleep here at night."
With the mercury topping the 100 degree mark, Donnell found relief from the Wilson County Community Help Center in Lebanon.
The agency is one of many throughout Middle Tennessee donating free air conditioners to people in need.
Besides the center in Lebanon, residents who qualify can find free air conditioners at the Cannon County Senior Citizens Center; Graceworks Ministeries in Williamson County; the Community Helpers in Rutherford County; and the Metro Action Commission in Davidson County.
The Metro Action Commission purchased air conditioners through donations from individuals such as Morris Bowles.
"I know people are suffering right now, and I know how hot it is at my home and I have air conditioning," Bowles said. "So, I just want to do a little bit to help."
In Wilson County, employees at D.T. McCall and Sons delivered the air conditioners for the Lebanon-based help center and in some cases, installed them.
In special cases, they even install them.
"It always makes you feel good inside to do that for somebody, especially somebody who can't get up and move around themselves," said Jacob Wright of D.T. McCall and Sons.
If anyone would like to donate air conditioners to the Metro Action Commission, they may drop off the appliances at the Sprintz Furniture on White Bridge Road or the commission's offices, 1624 5th Ave. North.
Davidson County residents who are 65 or older or who have a physical disability or medical condition worsened by extreme temperatures qualify to receive free air conditioners through the commission's Summer Cooling Program.
Jacob Wright of D.T. McCall and Sons installing an air conditioner
Georgia Donnell, an air conditioner recipient
