MARTINSBURG, W.Va – A long-standing charitable effort by a Berkeley County business is gearing up for a return in the coming weeks. Johnson and Johnson Heating and Air Conditioning is currently accepting nominations for its “Feel The Love” program, entering its sixth year of operation.
In partnership with Lennox Industries, Johnson and Johnson provides a free home makeover that includes a brand new heating and air system to someone nominated as a local “unsung hero.”
“Lennox helps provide all the heating and air conditioning equipment and we go to their home. We’ve been doing little mini-home makeovers, yard work, mulching, whatever, and then a new heating and air conditioning system,” owner Jason Johnson said.
Lennox started the “Feel The Love” program in 2009 under the name “Heat U.P.” The program’s description states that nominees are selected based on criteria that include physical, mental or social disabilities, financial challenges, job loss, military service, and community service. As Johnson and Johnson prepares for another year of recognizing heroes, Johnson says the stories he’s heard have made an impact.
“We have made a ton of great connections with great people. These are the unsung heroes of our communities,” he said, “Some of the stories – tears, serious stories, some heartaches that people have gone through – and nobody really knew about it until we actually prodded it out of them but some serious heroes of our community and it just warms our heart to go help them.”
As the program’s effect has grown over the years, so has the support that it has received from the Eastern Panhandle community. According to Johnson and Johnson’s Dale Waite, volunteers for last year’s project went beyond just those working for the company.
“We had like 30 people there last year and it was not just the employees but there were other people involved as well. Employees families but other people, Lennox employees came as well to help out. Everybody gets involved and its great,” he said.
Nominations for unsung heroes to receive a brand new heating and air conditioning system from Johnson and Johnson along with other home repair are currently open and run through August 31. The nomination form can be found at jandjcomfort.com.
