A Caroline County great-grandmother’s plea for assistance while she cares for her young great-grandsons was met with community support.
For weeks, Victoria Dickerson, who is raising her great-grandsons, ages three and four, alone, had no air conditioning in her house after the system malfunctioned. She was unable to pay the roughly $10,000 estimate she received for a new system, so she contacted CBS 6.
She told the outlet at the time, “It’s been a challenge. But we’ve been moving through it every day.”
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“It’s like an oven,” Dickerson added. “I can’t think in here, I don’t want to cook in here because of the heat.”
The great-grandmother had done her best to keep them cool.
“Every day we’ve been going to the pool, because we hot in this house,” she recounted.
But even their regular routine and sleeping arrangements were disturbed by the heat.
“I make a pad on the floor to sleep beside them so I can stay cool too, and that’s how we’ve been making it,” Dickerson said.
After several service calls, the HVAC company she’s been using for the previous eight years inspected her system and refused to fix it. Rather, they provided a quotation for a full system replacement that was close to $10,000.
Dickerson sought a second opinion from another HVAC provider. They discovered leaks that were partially caused by the top of the unit not being properly closed. While repairs were possible, the total cost was expected to be around $5,000.
“I don’t have $10,000 to give them like that,” Dickerson said.
With limited income, she turned to using a portable air conditioner as a temporary solution.
“I got that AC unit from Lowe’s. It’s been helping just a little,” she explained.
Previously, Dickerson had hoped her original service company might work with her on payment options, as she yearned for a solution to the uncomfortable situation.
“I know we can’t live like this, but I don’t have no choice right now,” Dickerson said. “Can I get a payment plan or something? I’m not looking for your handout.”
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Her determination to find a solution stems from her commitment to her great-grandchildren.
“I don’t know how long I’m going to have here, but I have to take care of them right now, and that’s my focus,” Dickerson said.
As soon as she told her story, her community jumped in to offer support, moved by her selflessness to her children. Several companies volunteered to install a new system for free, and many others donated to help.
Dickerson received free installation of the new air conditioning system at her house from HVAC company F.H. Furr.
“I am overwhelmed with all the love so many have sent my way and can’t say thank you enough,” Dickerson told CBS 6. “This is nothing short of a blessing and will be a huge help to me and my great-grandsons.”
Dickerson wants donors to know that they can request refunds for their contributions through GoFundMe since the new air conditioning system has been provided.
