A Minneapolis family who have been living without heat in their home are receiving a new furnace after being nominated in a contest.

Salina Media Group radio stations KSAL, and Y93.7, along with Callabresi Heating & Air, and Trane are spreading the love this winter. In February over 60 entries were received from area residents who needed a warm home, people who were living without or with inadequate heat. The contest called Warm Hearts Warm Home provided a $5,000 furnace including installation to a local family in need.

Chris & Sarah Bohn of Minneapolis were the winners. Chris and Sarah and their children have been living without heat this winter, relying on space heaters throughout the house to try to keep warm.

Chris & Sarah were nominated by several people including Denise Wagner of Minneapolis. Denise wrote: “Chris and Sarah have 2 little kids and are trying their best to make a good life for there. Chris works several jobs and Sarah has one. They are using electric heaters and if it gets too cold they go to their other family’s homes to stay. I really hope they receive a new heater.”

The nominations were narrowed down by a committee,  and then a winner was chosen.

“We just wanted to help a family in need” said Jerry Callabresi, owner of Callabresi Heating & Cooling in Salina. “With help from our partners at Trane we were able to make that happen”.

“We had so many families in need write in, for me it was a real eye opener to just how many people are living without heat in our area” Susan Trafton , SMG promotions Director