by Carie Kuehn
BLOOMINGTON – 50 recipients will be able to cool their homes this summer thanks to a donation from Ameren Illinois.
Ameren has donated 50 window air conditioners to Mid Central Community Action to distribute to low-income residents in the area.
“Customers that meet low-income heating and assistance program guidelines, those with children in their household under the age of four, elderly and disabled are able to contact mid central community action and see if they qualify to receive one of these units,” said Community Relations Supervisor for Ameren Illinois Stacey Young.
Since beginning the Ameren Cares initiative in 2013, Ameren has donated over 1,700 air conditioners to customers in Illinois. This year they plan on donating a total of 500, including the 50 in McLean County.
“It’s a wonderful feeling, it’s a feeling of being able to give back to the community,” said Senior Vice-President Ron Pate. “It’s that feel-good feeling, you know? You walk away with a smile as well as your recipient walking away with a smile”
Ameren Cares focuses on giving to the communities in Illinois beyond the regular service.
“Our workers don’t just come in and work and leave,” said Pate. “They are a part of a community and they represent Ameren Illinois and their communities. To be able to do this just shows the value of something like that.”
Carie Kuehn can be reached at Carie.Kuehn@cumulus.com
