Ierna’s Heating and Cooling recently donated a new heating and cooling system to the family of Nelida Bagley of Land O' Lakes.

Part of the donation came from the proceeds of the 2012 “Bring the Heat” Chili Cook Off event, and the rest was donated directly from Ierna’s to install the $3,500 home comfort system.

The donation was intended to benefit a local family in need of a heating and cooling system for their home. Bagley applied for the “Bring the Heat” donation when she and her daughter Elizabeth moved from their home in New Hampshire to care for her son, Jose, who suffered a traumatic brain injury while serving in Iraq in March of 2004.

The bomb that injured Jose left him disabled. For the past three years, Bagley has been renting a home and caring for her son full time. Her daughter has been earning an income to support the family.

The family was finally able to purchase a home of their own this year, and Nelida wrote to Ierna’s with her wish to convert the garage into a gym for Jose’s rehabilitation therapies. The family needs a heating and cooling system so that the space can be an appropriate temperature for Jose and his therapists.

Ierna’s Heating and Cooling's officials say they are proud to be able to give back to the community.

“Jose is a true American hero, said Charlene Ierna, vice president of the company. "His story, experience, determination and his unbelievable will to survive has moved me. I am wholeheartedly honored to assist Jose and his family."