Levander Holmes could only look longingly at a stack of air conditioners being given away Monday at AJFC Community Action Agency.

Holmes came to AJFC Monday to help a friend pick up their unit, but Holmes could not have one, because his name was not on the waiting list.

&uot;We’ve got a (waiting) list as long as you are tall,&uot; said Sadie Bacon, of AJFC, to Holmes.

Seventy other Adams County families were more fortunate on Monday.

Thanks to a $154,000 grant from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP), AJFC was able to distribute 70 window units to eligible Adams County families Monday.

Each unit was valued at $425, Bacon said.

AJFC has already distributed 275 air conditioners this summer in a seven-county area, including about 100 in Adams County, Bacon said.

The LIHEAP helped pay for the additional 70.

The program is funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to help families pay for air conditioners, fans and electric bills for those who needed assistance.

Those eligible for the program included the working poor, the elderly, people with disabilities and families with children under 18.

The AJFC took applications and visited the homes of people who applied. to make sure they did not already have a unit, Bacon said.

&uot;This year we were able to get more money and able to serve more people,&uot; she said.

People drove up to the AJFC office, on Clifton Avenue, in a steady stream Monday to pick up the units. Brenda&160;Evans, who carries an oxygen tank with her due to an illness said she was relieved to pick up her unit Monday after the long wait.

&uot;(This day) is here. It’s a big relief,&uot; she said. &uot;I’m really glad.&uot;

Evans said she has been using a fan to stay cool.

Holmes said he also uses a fan. &uot;(There’s) nothing like an air conditioner though,&uot; he said.

Bacon said she doubts AJFC will get in any more units this year, even though 100 people remain on a waiting list.