Samaritan Center gets 50 air conditioners from AmerenUE

It's cool to be cool.

On Wednesday AmerenUE donated 50 air conditioners to the Samaritan Center in Jefferson City, as part of the utility's “Be Cool” Air Conditioner Program.

The window units will be distributed to low-income senior citizens and others who have health problems in the Jefferson City area.

“AmerenUE has a long-standing tradition of serving communities,” said Larry Merry, manager of Ameren's Capitol/Lakeside District.

The air chillers cost the company about $100 a piece.

All together, the company donated 420 units to six social service agencies and one health department in AmerenUE's service territory.

Marylyn DeFeo, volunteer executive director of the Samaritan Center, said she was glad to be a recipient.

“Some of these folks are sitting in very warm homes,” she said. “And, many elderly sit in houses with the windows and doors shut because they are afraid.”

DeFeo said the cost can be prohibitive to someone on a fixed income.

“An air conditioner just doesn't fit in everybody's budget,” she said.

DeFeo said the units will be targeted at seniors who live at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Also, people in their upper 50s, who suffer severe health problems, will be considered.

The window units are expected to be installed next week by Samaritan Center volunteers.

She added the Samaritan Center's electric fan give-a-way program also has been a success.

“We still need box fans,” she said.

The center also accepts used air conditioners - provided they're in good working order - at their 1310 E. McCarty St. facility.