Heat's On Kicks Off in St. Peters

For 24 years the Mechanical Contractors Association of Eastern Missouri, Inc. and Plumbers' and Pipefitters' Local Union No. 562 have provided heat-related assistance to residents of St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County. 

After Saturday, the total will become 25 years.

Local leaders from across the St. Louis area met early Wednesday at the for the kickoff of the Project "Heat's On" program. The program provides heating inspections to hundreds of disabled and needy homeowners throughout the St. Louis area. 

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Eastern Missouri, Inc. and Plumbers' and Pipefitters' Local Union No. 562 will donate time, resources and materials this Saturday, Oct. 8 for the project. The two organizations will do a 34-point inspection that includes water heaters and furnaces for those who can't afford the procedure—estimates have the service at nearly $130 per home. Crescent Parts and Equipment and other vendors will donate needed material for the project.

"These people volunteer their time on a Saturday—a day when they could be with their families or doing other things," St. Louis County Executive Charles Dooley said at the press conference. "They have chosen for 25 years to do this for our communities. It's outstanding."

The homes that will be inspected were identified by Energy Care, Inc., Home Services, Inc., St. Louis Area Agency on Aging, St. Louis County Human Services and Saint Joachim and Ann Care Service.  

"It's a great effort by so many people to help," St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay said. 

The kickoff for the 25th year took place in St. Peters. Mayor Len Pagano said he couldn't stop smiling with pride at the project and his cities involvement in it throughout the years. Pagano said he has gone on trips with the volunteers in past years and has been amazed with the work. 

"It really is a happy moment because they can't believe someone is coming to help," Pagano said. 

Pagano was joined by Slay, Dooley, members of the St. Louis County Council, St. Peters Aldermanic President Tommy Roberts, St. Peters Ward 2 Alderman Jerry Hollingsworth, Mechanical Contractors Association of Eastern Missouri, Inc. and Plumbers' and Pipefitters' Local Union No. 562.