Local HVAC firm donating heating systems to families in need

WEST CHESTER » Four needy families – one in Chester County, two in Delaware County and one in Delaware – will get new heating systems installed free of charge this Saturday as a local HVACC firm extends a helping holiday hand

For the past 19 years, Oliver Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electrical has extended a helping hand during the holiday season to local families in need. Oliver’s annual Heat for the Holidays program reaches out to local community leaders, residents and social media to identify families who are in need of a new heating system but cannot afford the cost of replacement.

Manufacturers, supply houses and a local financial institution donate equipment, materials, supplies, and funds to cover incidental costs, and all of the labor for installation is donated by Oliver employees.

“It gives me a chance to help out people less fortunate than myself,” said lead technician Norm Comfort.

On Jan. 6, 42 Oliver installers, technicians and managers will gather before dawn to begin loading trucks with equipment for the day’s work. In addition to the field employees who donate their time and expertise, office staff and family members participate in a “support team” that organizes and distributes additional holiday cheer to the recipients of the free heating systems.

“There are many ways to help others in need, but our trade is one of the more costly – to have a repair or system replacement done safely and properly for any customer, let alone homeowners going through hard times, is quite an expense,” said Roger Mauger, a technician at Oliver. “I am glad to be a part of Oliver’s ability to give back to the community by helping those going through hardships.”

Each installation is complete, and 100 percent free to the recipients. This year, Oliver will donate four systems to families in Broomall, Aston, West Chester, and New Castle, Del. In the previous 18 years of operating the program more than 60 heating systems have been donated to families in need throughout the Delaware Valley. Heat for the Holidays is one of the most anticipated days on the Oliver calendar, and a tradition that the company hopes to continue for years to come.

Bernie Sweeney, vice president of Sales & Marketing at Oliver, shared his thoughts about the teamwork that makes this program possible.

“Many thanks to our business partners that support this program year after year,” Seeeney said. “WSFS Bank made a financial donation of $5,000 again this year. When you combine this with the heating equipment and supplies donated by Lennox, Trane, J. Lorber and US Supply it is a true team effort that has made this program such a success for 18 years. Special thanks to our selection committee, including Chief Joseph Daly of the Springfield police department, Jane Mashua Leddy of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and David Oliver, second generation owner of Oliver Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Electrical & Home Remodeling.”

Oliver furnishes, installs, and services most types of heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical systems in the residential, commercial, and industrial markets throughout the tri-state area.

“There are many ways to help others in need, but our trade is one of the more costly – to have a repair or system replacement done safely and properly for any customer, let alone homeowners going through hard times, is quite an expense.” — Roger Mauger, a technician at Oliver Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electrical