The good-works project began when Doug Scott, executive director of the New Jersey Blind Citizens Association, contacted Bob Muller, J. Muller Plumbing & Heating, Matawan, for an estimate to replace an old, nonfunctioning, oversized boiler that provided heat to offices, a thrift store, and a small residence at the group's "Camp Happiness" facility.

"As with most nonprofit organizations, the need outweighed their financial ability," Muller said. "Basically they had no heat, no hope of heat, and a lot of cold people.

"We contacted the presidents of Bayshore and Monmouth PHCC notifying them of the situation," he said. "They, in turn, contacted Hutchinson's Plumbing Supply in Matawan. The PHCC also called Slant Fin Corp. and Taco Industries. All three companies immediately pledged assistance, and before long PHCC volunteers were installing a new system with donations that included a 375-MBtuh heating boiler from Slant Fin, controls and a circulator from Taco, and all piping and remaining materials from Hutchinson."

Scott said the installation came at an ideal time for the New Jersey Blind Citizens Association. "We had two heating systems go within eight months," he said. "It was a blow to us financially, and we didn't have the funding to buy a new boiler. It was great that the PHCC could provide the free boiler installation for us before winter set in. It was an absolutely incredible way to support the organization. It is hard to describe what it meant to us."

The New Jersey Blind Citizens Association is a nonprofit, nonsectarian, charitable organization of blind men and women and sighted associates dedicated to improving the lives of the blind educationally, vocationally, economically, and socially. The organization offers two major programs: a summer vacation program and a year-round day camp program. For more information, contact Doug Scott at 908-804-5711.

The New Jersey PHCC and its chapters are affiliates of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association. Visit www.phccweb.org for more information.

Publication date: 02/07/2005