ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - a local organization is helping those who can't afford air conditioning during this heat wave.
People living at Melrose Towers in Roanoke, a HUD apartment complex made up of mostly seniors received 15 A.C. units on Thursday.
The donation from the Roanoke Valley Volkswagen Club totals 15-hundred dollars.
Duane Smith, President of the Joint Resident Council as well as head over operations at Melrose Towers says air conditioning during 90-degree plus temperatures is a necessity for some of the residents living there.
"These are individuals that are on fixed incomes so it's a struggle to make ends meet," Smith said.
The donation was made during a brief check presentation ceremony held in the Library at Melrose Towers on Thursday. President of the Roanoke Valley Volkswagen Club Ralph Owen says the donation was made possible both by the club and through private donations from it's members.
"I know a lot of them don't have air conditioners and it's a matter of that some of them are up in age and they have medical issues so it's a lot more important here than in some other areas in need," Owen said.
He says that the club typically tries to help several charities throughout the year. This year they also sent money and water to disaster relief efforts in Greenbrier County, West Virginia after severe flooding.
The A.C. units will be handed out to residents at no charge based on need.