Community Involvement



Happy Ending to Home Explosion Story

By Sean Griffin

 

The Taylor’s, of Chesterland, heard what sounded like an explosion in their home. They hurried through their house to find the source of booming noise. As they approached the furnace they saw smoke rolling out the openings of the machine.

 

Luckily, the coldest days of the season had passed, but the elderly couple, 80 and 81, wasn’t sure how they would replace the unit before cold weather returned. Living primarily on their monthly Social Security checks, the retired carpenter and caregiver didn’t have much expendable income.

 

The Taylor’s called their HVAC service company, DeBord’s One Hour Heating & Air, to find out their options. With repair out of picture, One Hour’s Mark Beldon, went to the home to give a replacement estimate. When he learned of the couple’s financial situation, he wanted to find a way to help. He returned to the shop and went straight to owner, Leona Kratochvil with the Taylors’ story. He volunteered his own time and resources, but Kratochvil quickly decided the company should help. 

 

“When you see someone that is truly in need, and you have the ability and resources to help, it only seems natural to do so,” Kratochvil said of her decision. “I look at the Taylors’ background as a carpenter and caregiver, and have to believe that they have done their share of giving back to the community through the years. They have both worked very hard during their lives and this is our way of saying ‘thank you’ and paying it forward.”     

 

As a business owner, Kratochvil believes it is the duty businesses to give back to the community whenever possible.

 

“By assisting the Taylor’s we are lifting one of the burdens that they have and allowing them to concentrate on other more important things in their lives,” Kratochvil explained. “Figuring out how you are going to stay warm when the weather changes is something no one should have to worry about. It’s important for each of us to take a vested interest in our neighbors, friends and families.”

 

Goodman provided the heating system to DeBord’s One Hour at a reduced cost. The installation is scheduled for the morning of May 5, 2011. Staff from DeBord’s Benjamin Franklin Plumbing will also participate in the installation.  

 

Habitat for Humanity assistance: Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and DeBord's One Hour enjoy giving back to the community whenever possible. We recently donated a water heater and installation to a home being completed in the Chesterland area. The technicians and employees have worked with Habitat for Humanity over the years and enjoy giving back to the community whenever possible.

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