FILE PHOTO Ellsworth’s president William J. Barnes at his office.

It’s a popular giveaway that could have one lucky local resident cooler for years to come.

Every year for the past five years, Ellsworth’s Heating & Cooling has given away a complete air-conditioning unit, and the event is still on this year.

“The best thing is that in these economic times we’re still able to give back to the community, which has given us so much,” said Ellsworth’s president William J. Barnes.

Barnes and the company’s owner, George Ellsworth Sr., came up with the idea years ago, hoping someone who really needs the air conditioner may be the recipient. According to Barnes, that’s been the case several times.

“One year it was a woman who was blind with three kids and another an 86-year-old that had no air at all,” he said.

The first year it was a young woman who just moved to the area and really needed a new unit.

Giveaway forms are located throughout North Fort Myers, with boxes in many different locations.

“We want people to check their community clubhouses for giveaway forms or stop by Ellsworth Heating & Cooling to fill out a form,” Barnes said.

The Christmas in July event runs through the end of the month, when a winner will be drawn from the forms and contacted the first week of August.

Look for a profile on the winner in an early August edition of the North Fort Myers Neighbor.

Barnes said and all of the members of Ellsworth’s truly enjoy the North Fort Myers community and the people.

“They are great, down-to-earth, good people who have supported us for over 40 years,” he said.

Employee Candy Harney helps coordinate the event. Last year she said they were expecting a big response, and expects an even bigger one this year with the economy.

Ellsworth’s offices are located at 1905 N. Tamiami Trail if you don’t live at one of the communities who have the boxes with forms.

For information, call 995-6005.