Donors help VB Health Clinic cool off after stolen AC

VIRGINIA BEACH -- The staff at Beach Health Clinic is used to providing services for free, but they are not used to anyone helping themselves to their stuff for free.

During a hot weekend in July, the air conditioning unit was stolen from the clinic, which runs completely on donations and grants.

“We turn the thermostat up over the weekends,” said Susan Hellstrom , executive director. “When we came in Monday morning, we turned on the air conditioner, but it wouldn’t turn on.”

Hellstrom stepped outside the facility to check on the unit and saw that it was gone.

Terry Gillispie , who owns Gillispie Mechanical, learned of the theft on the evening news.

“I was thinking about doing something to help when Tom called,” Gillispie said.

Tom Yarina , owner of AC Plumbing Inc., was equally touched by the crime.

“I thought it wasn’t right. I’ve been ripped off many times myself,” said Yarina, who recently had tools stolen from his truck. “It’s gratifying to pay it forward and pass it on.”

The two men joined forces to acquire a donated unit from a local supply house – valued at about $2,600 – and install it.

By Tuesday, the unit was in place and working. The Beach Health Clinic was cool again.

The clinic has been providing basic medical services and prescription assistance to the uninsured, working poor families of Virginia Beach since 1986.

The staff treats more than 2,000 patients and have been at the current location, 3396 Holland Road, since 2001.

According to Margie Hobbs , public information officer with the Virginia Beach Police Department, the case it still active and an arrest has not been made.

Yarina said tire tracks were visible backing up to the unit, which was just 1 year to 1½ years old. Yarina also said that thieves can net about $50 for the copper found in the unit. Hellstrom said the donated AC restored her faith in mankind, she said.

“If these people didn’t help us,” Hellstrom said, “we would’ve had to close the clinic.”