Many worry about their elderly loved ones when the heat in Alabama reaches sweltering temperatures and humidity levels peak, but one healthcare organization gave elderly shut-ins and homebound residents a chance to beat the heat.

Carolyn Jones of Lighthouse Rehabilitation and HealthCare helped put together a Beat the Heat event, distributing box fans and packs of bottled water to homebound residents in GWC Homes. She said another distribution event is set for Aug. 22.

“We hope to reach as many elderly as we possibly can during this time and hopefully the next time the drive will be even better,” Jones said, who credits the donations of water and fans to civic organizations throughout the community. “We wanted to give back to the community and the homebound elderly and our facility, Lighthouse, assists the elderly in getting them independent again.”

Tuesday, in the community center of GWC Homes, elderly residents came to enjoy meals on wheels and were given box fans and packages of bottled water. Jones educated them about Lighthouse — a rehab facility in Selma.

She explained the myths of nursing homes and rehab centers while the residents listened and snacked

.

She said she discovered the need for the elderly to beat the heat with fans and water when she worked with meals on wheels events. She discovered many elderly who were homebound lived in homes where there was no central air-conditioning. Another distribution event in August will focus on residents in Orrville who do not have central air as well.

John Solomon with the Selma Housing Authority said following the event Tuesday, he would distribute the Beat the Heat supplies to those in GWC Homes who are homebound and could not attend. Solomon was instrumental in gathering funding for the project from civic organizations such as the Knights of Columbus and the Twelve High Club Inc.