Philanthropist Donates Gift Of Cool Air To Sweltering Bucks Co. Seniors

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA — Twenty-five Lower Bucks County senior citizens will be receiving the gift of cool air this week thanks to Bucks County philanthropist Gene Epstein and the Gene and Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Fund.

On Monday, 25 air conditioners bought and paid for by Epstein will be distributed to 25 seniors in Bristol and Bensalem townships who have sweltered through this summer's unrelenting heatwaves with little more than a fan and an open window.

“It’s wonderful and desperately needed,” said the center’s director Bonnie Worth of the donation, which came out of the blue and as a huge surprise to the center. “Gene is a life saver. And we can’t thank him enough.”

According to Worth, the units will be distributed to the seniors who need it the most, including seniors who don’t have any air conditioning in their homes and who have been struggling in this summer's brutal heat.

“Our Meals on Wheels drivers found several who were nearly unconscious. They had nothing in their houses to keep them cool,” she said. “We also had eight people who came in for fans. We’re going to make sure they have an air conditioner."

“I just hope that 25 people are a little better off because of me,” said Epstein, of his donation.

The air conditioners will be going mostly to members of the Bristol Township Senior Center with some going to members of the Bensalem center.

Gene’s donation has already had a ripple effect, said Worth, adding that one of the center's volunteers was so touched by the donation that they offered to purchase a unit. The Kiwanis Club has also stepped forward to help.

“What Gene puts out there, people see and want to help,” said Worth. “And it is wonderful when that happens.”

The Bensalem Home Depot where Epstein purchased the units also stepped up with an offer to have its contractors install the units for free.

“They will be bringing the air conditioners to us on Monday and doing the installation for our seniors," said Worth. "We just want to make sure everyone stays cool this summer.”

To contribute toward the air conditioning project or to support the senior center’s expansion project, visit www.theyounginheart.com and look for the donation button.