For the past 18 years, Oliver Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical of Morton has extended a helping hand during the holiday season to local families in need.

Oliver’s annual Heat for the Holidays program reaches out to local community leaders, residents, and social media to identify families who are in need of a new heating system, but cannot afford the cost of replacement. Manufacturers, supply houses, and a local financial institution donate equipment, materials, supplies, and funds to cover incidental costs, and all of the labor for installation is donated by Oliver employees.

“Gives me a chance to help out people less fortunate than myself,” said lead technician Norm Comfort.

On Saturday, 42 Oliver installers, technicians, and managers will gather before dawn to begin loading trucks with equipment for the day’s work. In addition to the field employees who donate their time and expertise, office staff and family members participate in a “support team” that organizes and distributes additional holiday cheer to the recipients of the free heating systems.

“There are many ways to help others in need, but our trade is one of the more costly – to have a repair or system replacement done safely and properly for any customer, let alone homeowners going through hard times, is quite an expense,” said lead technician Roger Mauger. “I am glad to be a part of Oliver’s ability to give back to the community by helping those going through hardships.”

Each installation is complete, and 100 percent free to the recipients. This year, Oliver will donate six systems to families in Norwood, Springfield, Holmes, and Villanova. In the previous 17 years of operating the program, more than 60 heating systems have been donated to families in need throughout the Delaware Valley.

Heat for the Holidays is one of the most anticipated days on the Oliver calendar, and a tradition that the company hopes to continue for years to come.

“Many thanks to our business partners that support this program year after year,” said Bernie Sweeney, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Oliver. “WSFS Bank made a financial donation of $5,000 again this year. When you combine this with the heating equipment and supplies donated by Lennox, Trane, J. Lorber, and U.S. Supply, it is a true team effort that has made this program such a success for 18 years.

“Special thanks to our selection committee, including Chief Joseph Daly of the Springfield Police Department, Jane Mashua Leddy of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, and David Oliver, second generation owner of Oliver.”