ROCK HILL, S.C. — This story is sponsored by Brothers and ARS Cares Community Heroes Program
If someone has a problem, Lonnie Sims will fix it.
“When somebody’s car is busted and when they’ve gone to the repair shop, and they’ve gotten an estimate they can’t afford. I have to extend or give that help,” Sims said.
Sims credits his generosity and handy skills to God and his degree in automotive science. But, over the past several years Sims, who served 14 years in the Army, has had to deal with his own problem.
His central air conditioner stopped working in the home that his father bought.
“When you have it, you take it for granted. No one gives a second thought to it,” Sims said. “I had to revert back to stuff my grandmother and grandfather taught me and bought a couple of kerosene heaters."
Sims has tried fixing the broken unit and considered buying a new one. “It’s easy when you got it. But this is one of those cases [where] an old man didn’t have it,” Sims said.
Recently, Rick Starnes with Brothers Heating, Cooling and Plumbing stopped by for a visit.
“Saw the need that he had (and) his circumstances,” said Starnes.
Sims said he initially thought that Starnes was coming to give him an estimate on a new unit.
But little did Sims know, his name was submitted to the Brothers and ARS Cares Community Heroes Program. The program provides things like new heating and cooling systems for deserving community heroes.
Not long after Starnes’ visit, Sims got the call that he won.
“It’s Christmas! It’s Christmas for an old man,” Sims said with a smile.
Starnes is also a veteran. He served in the Navy. He said it was an honor to help a fellow military vet.
“He gives a helping hand so much. Now, it’s great, me being a Navy veteran, it’s great that we can give a helping hand to him."
Contact Nick Sturdivant at nsturdiva1@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.