CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — We all know that even staying out of the blazing sun isn’t enough to cool off, and not having air conditioning makes it even worse.
However, there’s much needed help for some of the most vulnerable people in the area.
It all began at the ‘Love Thy Neighbor‘ Home Health Care in Chesapeake, and Onley on the Eastern Shore, who were giving away free fans to the elderly.
Chesapeake resident Sam White showed up after watching WAVY at noon.
“It is hot out there,” White said. “It is really humid, and we need some air in the apartment, so I appreciate the fans so I can get it cooler.”
The fan makes you cooler.
“Why did I come here? Because I was across the street at the vinyl shop and they said you were giving away free fans,” said Debbie Hayes, “and I’m here to pick one up for my neighbor because he doesn’t have air conditioning.”
Tonya Elliott was in Chesapeake, and she and humidity do not agree.
“I need a fan badly,” Elliott said. “It is hot. How hot? Real hot. It’s impacting my life, just blowing out hot air, so I really need a fan.”
Rashawn Saunders stopped by because he has a client who needs a fan.
“Obviously it is a hot summer,” Saunders said. “It will help her get through what she is going through.”
So, who’s the “free fan” pied piper?
Well, that would be the owner of Love Thy Neighbor Home Health Care, Michelle Tinner, who gave out 46 fans on the Eastern Shore, and her business in Chesapeake handed out another 14.
After the fans ran out on the Shore, she handed out six, $25 gift certificates.
“I am doing this because I know there is a need for our elderly population,” Tinner said, “and most of them are not able to have AC in their home and with the heat, and I want them to be safe in the home,” adding, “love thy neighbor as thy self, exactly. You treat people as you want to be treated, yes.”