Sikora Sheet Metal Inc. partnered with Lennox’s Feel the Love program to donate and install a heating and cooling unit for Brian and Stacy Trombley.

The couple knew they would have to replace their 15-year-old furnace before the start of the cold weather season.

“For the last couple years, we had just been trying to get them through and really hoped it made it through last winter,” said Sikora owner Craig Harris, noting how expensive replacement parts were for that type of model of furnace.

Stacy Trombley agreed it was a struggle to keep it running, and they had started to save for a new furnace. However, everything changed in July when Brian unexpectedly passed out and was taken by ambulance to the emergency room.

SIKORA SHEET METAL employees Aden Mick and Brian Amundson install the furnace at the Trombley residence. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

“They discovered he had a brain bleed,” Trombley said.

Brian had brain surgery, after which he was put in a medically induced coma for a week.

“It was really hard on their family,” said Sikora owner Angela Harris, adding the Trombleys have two children, Brian and Cody.

Knowing their situation, the Iron Mountain business nominated them for the Feel the Love program.

The national program provides participating Lennox dealers and local community members an opportunity to come together to support those in need or deserving in their local communities.

SIKORA SHEET METAL Inc. employees Chris Wendrick and Joe Occhietti donate their time to install a cooling unit at the Trombley residence. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

“They definitely needed it and are deserving,” Craig Harris said.

“This family has gone through some incredible hardships, but yet keep their head up with positivity and gratitude,” Angela Harris added.

Lennox provided the HVAC unit, while Sikora donated all the additional parts and materials, as well as the labor.

Harris expressed his appreciation to his employees who gave their time to do the installation.

The homeowners also receive a warranty through Lennox. “Now she doesn’t have to worry about it for many winters,” Craig Harris said.

“It will give her peace of mind,” Angela Harris added.

Stacy Trombley was surprised when they notified her she could cancel her financing.

“I was so excited and relieved,” she said. “I appreciate everything they have done for us — they are very nice people.”

Although this is the first year participating in the Feel the Love program, Sikora Sheet Metal has donated furnaces in the past as an independent Lennox dealer.

“This community has trusted us with their home comfort needs, so we wanted to do something special for them in return — it’s a way to give back,” Craig Harris said. “We’re going to make this an annual event.”

“We are hoping this snowballs,” Angela Harris said. “We remind people to be kind, help out our neighbors and always do the right thing.”

Since it was first launched in 2009, more than 2,750 families have benefited from the Feel The Love program, which is supported by the collaborative efforts of the Lil Lennox Foundation and the network of dealers across the country.

Those who think they know a good candidate for the program are welcome to submit nominations through the Feel the Love website at www.feelthelove.com or call Sikora Sheet Metal at 906-774-2877.