Two large air conditioning units used to cool the main building in East Stuart broke and were deemed non-repairable.

Executive Director Thelma Washington did not have the $10,000 to fix the problem, so she turned to the United Way of Martin County for help.

A call went out to United Way's donors about the dire situation and within 24 hours several Tocqueville Society members donated the $10,000 needed for the new units.

The first $5,000 came from an anonymous donor, followed by a $2,500 challenge from John Pierson. Florence Macdonald, along with Lee and Gaby Elsey, stepped up to the challenge and donated the balance.

"The sense of community along with the willingness and generosity of the Tocqueville Society members is truly inspiring," said Nancy Perry, CFRE, United Way of Martin County major gifts director.

According to Washington, the new air conditioning units brought cool relief just in time.

"We have air conditioning again! In the hottest month of the summer, we received the coolest donation from the United Way of Martin County," Washington said. "Thanks to the generous donors, we're now able to keep cool as we sign in the children, meet with the staff and volunteers while the children eat breakfast, lunch and their afternoon snacks."

Call (772) 283-2800 or visit LIVEUNITEDmc.org for more information.