With temperatures still topping 90 degrees, it might seem a little early to worry about winter heating.
But for Callawegians who lack a functioning furnace, the time to apply for free help is now.
"Last year, we installed two free furnaces as part of the Heat Up Missouri program," said Brenda Loeffler, co-owner of Garrett & Campbell in Fulton. "This year, it's gone nationwide."
The Lennox-run program is now called "Feel the Love," and there's a new web-based portal for submitting nominations. The deadline is Sept. 5.
Here's how it works. Community members nominate deserving families or individuals who could use a new furnace. People may nominate more than one family. Unlike previous years, potential recipients may not nominate themselves or someone living in the same residence.
Only homeowners in detached, single-family homes are eligible; mobile and pre-fab homes are also excluded from this program. To view other eligibility conditions, check here: feelthelove.com/terms-and-conditions.
A short application may be filled out at feelthelove.com/missouri.
Lennox selects recipients based on several criteria, including physical, mental, or social disabilities; financial challenges; job loss; military service; community service and more. Feel the Love places a heavy emphasis on the positive impact potential recipients must have on their communities.
The committee contacts participating locations such as Garrett & Campbell near the qualifying nominees and determines if the available furnaces will work for those houses. Recipients will be given an energy-efficient furnace, thermostat and installation.
Lucky recipients will receive their furnace in the first week of October.