By Rich Larson
The Northfield Union of Youth is working to quickly raise $30,000 to replace two aging heating and cooling systems at The Key, the nation’s longest-running youth-led youth drop-in center.
NUY Executive Director Kelli Podracky said both rooftop units have developed problems. The heat is not working on one side of the building, while the air conditioning has failed on the other side of the building. One unit dates to the late 1990s, and the second was installed around 2003.
The building previously housed two separate businesses. Although a remodel combined them into one larger space, the ductwork remains separate, requiring two systems to serve the center.
With colder weather approaching, replacing the equipment has become an urgent fundraising priority. Podracky said portable fans and space heaters can provide only limited help.
Just Food Co-op is supporting the effort through its October Round Up campaign. Throughout the month, shoppers can round their purchases up to the next whole dollar, with the difference donated to the Northfield Union of Youth. All proceeds from the campaign will go toward the HVAC replacement. For example, a shopper with a $10.58 purchase can round the total to $11, contributing 42 cents to the project. Those small contributions can add up throughout the month.
Podracky said the co-op already provides weekly food deliveries, helping ensure young people have food available at The Key every day of the year. For more information, or to make a donation for the HVAC repair, visit unionofyouth.org
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
