The Oil Heat Cares Foundation, an initiative of the National Association of Oil & Energy Service Professionals (OESP), brought the installation of a much-needed boiler to a family in Bronx, New York, this new year.
When homeowner Milagros Orizal was told by her service provider last month that her boiler was leaking, she realized the problem had the potential to render her home uninhabitable.
Orizal and her mother, of Parkchester in Bronx, both live on fixed-income disability pensions.
Faced with the prospect of living without heat or hot water, Orizal contacted Pete Gonzalez, owner and CEO of Pete Gonzalez Heating Co. in Morris Park.
Gonzalez, a member of the New York City chapter of OESP who had patched up the family’s old boiler in the past, encouraged Orizal to apply for a grant through “Oil Heat Cares,” the OESP’s national charity.
Orizal’s application was quickly approved, and within days, she learned she would become the proud owner of a new boiler and related equipment. Students at Bronx Design and Construction Academy High School, supervised by Gonzalez and other industry professionals, donated their time to install the new heating system.
The project brings hot water and heat back to the family, and also on-the-job field experience for a class of future oil and energy service technicians in New York.
“These students are the next generation of our industry, and their dedication really inspires me,” said Gonzalez. “This project adds an incredible new dimension to their studies that just can’t be acquired through textbooks or in a classroom.”
“The assistance of BDCA High School students, and the teaching opportunity this provides, makes this project so unique,” said Angel Gonzalez, OESP New York City Chapter Manager. “This group effort would not be possible without their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn, or without the donations of the generous corporations involved.”
This latest successful Oil Heat Cares project is made possible by the Oil Heat Cares Foundation and the New York City chapter of OESP. Additional donations and logistical support are provided by Peerless Boilers, Carlin Combustion, Hydrolevel Co., Petro Home Services, Vaughn Water Heaters, Westchester Square Plumbing Supply, and Blackman Plumbing Supply.
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*Pictured left to right on the 2nd image: Ed Puncar of Advanced Hydrolics; Pete Gonzalez and his students: Joshua Diaz, Tyrese Jordan, and Justin Gonzalez.
