Vermilion Council on Aging collecting heaters for elderly

If you have a heater, it likely got put to good use last week with temperatures hovering around freezing.
Unfortunately, not everyone has access to heaters, which is why the Vermilion Council on Aging has kicked off a drive to collect heaters for elderly who are in need of some extra warmth in the coming, cold months.
“We are getting it started early,” said Lois Bodin, executive director of the Vermilion Council on Aging.
Those wishing to donate electric heaters can drop them off at the Vermilion Council on Aging’s facility at 1928 Graceland Ave. in Abbeville.
“They can drop off one or as many as they want,” Bodin said.
The drive received an early boost last week when Jan Segura-Comeaux and Tigress Environmental Company dropped off 12 electric heaters.
“Jan saw a story of a couple that did not have any heat,” Bodin explained. “She said her heart just went out to them.
“She and the company she is with went in to buy the 12 heaters.”
Bodin said a challenge was left with the donation.
“Jan would also like to challenge other businesses to match their donation of heaters,” Bodin said.
All of the donations will be put to good use.
“There are people in need of them,” Bodin said. “More than people would think.”
The Vermilion Council on Aging has provided heaters for the parish’s elderly in the past.
“There used to be a whole store room full of them,” Bodin said.
That has not been the case recently.
“Over the years people stopped donating heaters,” Bodin said. “What we have right now is the supply that Jan and the company dropped off.”
Those heaters, and the hopefully many more that are donated, will be distributed in Vermilion to those elderly who are in most need.
“This is for our elderly who are really low income,” Bodin said.
The need for heat will be great for many this winter. Bodin said this is a chance to make an impact.
“Let’s take care of our elderly to help keep them warm and healthy in their home,” Bodin said. “The donations will be deeply appreciated and help our elderly.”