Vera Castillo of Gordon has a number of health issues so she has to be on oxygen.

With a limited number of electrical outlets in her home and very hot weather outside, she had to make some hard choices, whether to plug in her oxygen tank or plug in her air conditioner.

Thanks to some generous organizations and businesses, Vera will be able to breathe a little easier from now on.

Vera Castillo says, “It's really hot, at night i sat here sometimes until 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. because it's too hot to go to bed, I mean that trailer. It's hotter in there than it is in here.”

Just walking through Vera Castillo’s trailer, you can't help but break a sweat. A series of electrical fires had damaged a lot of the wiring in her home.

Pretty soon Vera will be able to plug all those machines in and much more. The project got kicked off by SARCOA and money from Santa for Seniors.

Robert Crowder says, “In the weather related environment that she has to live in and so many other people, senior citizens all across our region in the south are experiencing right now we want to try if we can to help those people first.”

Lowe’s of Dothan donated a new air conditioner through their hero's program.

Laura Ready says, “When I sat and talked with Miss Vera and learned a little bit more about her situation, it's almost tearful you know, you're thankful for what you have and seeing that it made her so happy well that just made it all the worthwhile.”

Local contractor Chuck Ledford is donating his time to perform installations and ensure that Vera’s place is safely wired.

Chuck Ledford says, “We're putting a few extra items other than what SARCOA asked for we're installing her some ceiling fans one in her bedroom one in the living room, just help with the circulation in here with her new ac unit.”

Not only will Vera be cooler, but she'll be more comfortable walking around. Volunteers from Covenant United Methodist Church will be repairing her bare floor and installing new carpeting.

Mike Hoppe says, “Especially right now with this financial downturn people tend to focus on themselves and so we thought now more than ever is the right time more than ever to help our neighbors.”

And as I understand it, Lowe’s will be donating a second air conditioner for Vera, one that will keep her bedroom cool as well.

This is one of many projects SARCOA and Lowe’s have scheduled for residents in need around the Wiregrass.

SARCOA is always looking for donations from the community and businesses. For more information on how you can help contact SARCOA at 334-793-6843.