UPS driver brings cool air to Lincoln Parish

Lillie Mae Rankins and Thelma Jackson used to sit in front of fans to cool themselves in the summer. Both had air conditioners in their homes, but as Rankins put it, her unit was on its last go.

Jenkins’ unit wasn’t working at all.

Those days when it was just about as hot inside as outside are over for the two Ruston women. Rankins, who lives on Jackson Avenue, and Jackson, who lives on Cardinal Street, are among the 35 Lincoln Parish residents who received free air conditioners from the Baton Rouge-based Big Brown Reaching Out program.

Big Brown Reaching Out is a non-profit organization started in 2009 by UPS driver James “Big Brown” Joseph.

Joseph and other UPS volunteers were in Lincoln Parish three weeks ago installing air conditioners for eligible recipients in Ruston, Grambling, Dubach, Simsboro, and unincorporated areas of the parish.

The group also did installs in Jackson Parish. They’ll be delivering more units in Quitman and Shady Grove this weekend. To qualify, a resident must be age 65 or over, own their own home, and not have adequate air conditioning.

“We’re giving back to our community through this organization we formed. This year is the Ruston year,” Joseph, a former Harlem Globetrotter who now lives Baton Rouge, said.

Ruston was one of the last three municipalities on his statewide list.

Over the past 15 years, the group has installed 24,000 air conditioners to senior citizens across Louisiana, Joseph said.

The idea for Big Brown Reaching Out sprang from a package delivery Joseph made to a house in Lettsworth, an unincorporated community located in the northern tip of Pointe Coupee Parish, about an hour southeast of Alexandria.

“I noticed the elderly people were actually sleeping on the floor,” he said.

The reason: Because that’s where the air was coolest.

He bought an air conditioner, went back, and installed it.

Joseph said UPS drivers who want to participate in the volunteer program should keep an eye out for homes that don’t appear to have air conditions along their delivery routes.

When they spot one, they’ll ask if the homeowner wants to be put on the list for a free 5,000 BTU unit.

“A lot of the people are like, ‘are you for real?’” Joseph said.

Money for the air conditioners comes from donations.

Names for local recipients came from the Council on Aging.

Senior Center Activities Director Betty Dunn gathered the list.

“When I talked to them, it was apparent they didn’t have adequate air. Fans are not sufficient in this heat. They only circulate hot air,” she said. “As far as I know people are very, very satisfied. (Joseph) is a very professional man.”

Rankins and Jenkins say now they’re cool, and thankful for their new air conditioners.

“It’s a blessing,” Jenkins said.