Last summer, I asked readers to help atheists in northeast Mississippi “beat the heat” by donating money so they could buy air conditioners for people in the region:

Because we believe in social justice and we know that no gods are going to solve this problem, we humanists are ready to do something about it! We want to raise as much money as possible to buy air conditioners for these families so they will not needlessly suffer through this incredibly harsh summer. Even a small window unit will make a big difference — especially for those people who have allergies, breathing disorders, or are at high-risk for dehydration. And the best part is that this air conditioner unit will give a family several years of relief. The small investment you make now will pay out immediate and long-term benefits.

You all came through in spectacular fashion, raising over $800, enough for several air conditioning units and then some:

Now, the newly-formed Northeast Mississippi Secular Humanist Association wants to do even more. They want to purchase air conditioners for 10 families, including one with special needs:

This year we will add a very special out-of-state family to our wish list. This family needs a portable unit to meet the needs of their young son. Portable units are more expensive than the small window units we provided last year but the unit we’d like to donate will serve as additional cooling and heating for them throughout the year. In addition, the portable unit will be able to go where their young son is instead of confining the family to a single room.

It’s a worthy cause and you’d be helping families who really need it. If you can help out, click on the “Beat the Heat” Donate button on this page!



