At John Lock AC & Heating, keeping homes comfortable is more than our job — it’s part of giving back to the community. Last week, we joined Lennox, the Rural Outreach Center, and several local businesses to help a Colden family in need through the national Feel the Love program, ensuring warmth, safety, and peace of mind just in time for winter.
More Than Just a Furnace
This year’s recipient family — a single mother and her two sons — had gone through last winter without heat. Nominated by the Rural Outreach Center (ROC), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting rural families in Western New York, the family received a brand-new Lennox furnace and AC system installed at no cost.
But what started as a single furnace installation quickly grew into a larger home improvement effort. When our team visited the home, we discovered additional needs, including a failing hot water heater and an unsafe deck. Determined to help, we enlisted the support of local businesses and volunteers to make broader repairs.
Community Collaboration in Action
Thanks to the generosity of our partners, this project became a full home improvement initiative:
- John Lock AC & Heating & Lennox – installation of the furnace and AC system, project coordination
- IRR Supply Centers – donation of a new hot water heater
- Gui’s Lumber – donation of pressure-treated lumber for deck repairs
- VALU Home Centers & Valspar – deck stain, paint, and supplies
- Abbey Mecca – coordinating partners, recruiting volunteers, and assisting on-site
The family’s deck was re-stained, safety repairs were completed, and volunteers helped ensure the home was ready for winter — all made possible through collaboration. Channel 7 News even stopped by to cover the story and share the family’s experience with the community.
A Heartfelt Impact
Monique Brannan, COO of the Rural Outreach Center, described the emotional response:
“It was really tears of joy. At one point, the children came up to our founder and said, unprompted, ‘thank you so much for helping us to heat our home.’”
For Mike Lock, President of John Lock AC & Heating, this project is a reminder that the work goes far beyond HVAC:
“Every time I talk to the homeowner, she goes into tears. It’s just awesome to help out a family like that. It gets better and better every time.”
Why We Do It
The Feel the Love program by Lennox partners with local dealers nationwide to donate heating and cooling equipment — and installation services — to families in need. For our team, being part of this initiative is about more than equipment — it’s about giving warmth, safety, and stability to families who need it most.
About John Lock AC & Heating
Founded more than 55 years ago, John Lock AC & Heating is a family-owned and operated company serving Western New York with expert residential and commercial heating and cooling services. Known for professionalism, integrity, and community service, we continue to make a difference both in our customers’ homes and across the region.
