John, 61, and Deb Kreutzer, 60, of Russell were the deserving winners of the Kindness Heats the Heart contest, made possible by the generosity of McIntyre Plumbing, Heating & Air of Hays.
This contest encouraged readers and listeners to submit a nomination of a deserving family who were worthy of a brand-new furnace and install, all completely free to one deserving family. McIntyre Plumbing, Heating & Air had over 40 submissions, with multiple people writing in about how incredible the Kreutzer family is to Ellis and Russell counties, and the need they were experiencing for a new furnace for their home.
The Kreutzers have been without a furnace for more than a year and have been forced to heat their home with space heaters and use electric blankets to stay warm.
"John and Deb are two of the most kind-hearted, hard-working people I know. They are involved with Special Olympics and the local churches on top of their day jobs. ... I would love for them to receive such a needed gift," one of their nominators said.
"John and Deb have spent the last year or two heating their home with space heaters. This is extremely costly and not ideal. It isn't safe to keep the space heaters running while they are working during the day, so they come home to a cold house and have to play catch-up to get it warm again," another nominator said.
"They are two of the most genuine people I've met. They are involved with Special Olympics and local churches, among other things, which showcase how wonderful they are.
"This would take a huge weight off their shoulders as they have been saving to get their heat replaced, but other issues pop up and set them back. Please consider these amazing people."
Yet another nominator said, “John and his wife are incredible people. They work for organizations that give meaning to our community—DSNWK, ARC and their local church.
"They are involved in Special Olympics as coaches for the athletes. ... They have a dog they love deeply that is home during the day. Due to medical issues and bills, they haven't been able to afford the quotes from several other heating/cooling businesses. They live in Russell and give so much to others, it would be a huge burden off of such kind individuals."
John and Deb expressed their gratitude to McIntyre Plumbing, Heating & Air for the gift of the furnace on Friday.
"We're so happy with McIntyre, we couldn't thank them any more," Deb said.
"I'm excited," Deb said. "You never realize what you rely on until you don't have it. This is a great honor to be nominated and blessed."
Jon said, "It's a blessing."
"He's ecstatic, and I am too," Deb said.
Mike McIntyre, co-owner of McIntyre Plumbing, Heating & Air, said, "I feel they have been helping us. It's been a two-way street."
"There are people out there who have unfortunate circumstances, and this family was perfect for the nomination," other co-owner of McIntyre Plumbing, Heating & Air, Joslyn Brungardt, said.
The Kindness Heats the Heart contest highlighted many deserving families across the region, but the Kreutzers’ story stood out as a reflection of the compassion and service that strengthens communities.
With the support of McIntyre Plumbing, Heating & Air and the community members who nominated them, John and Deb can now look forward to a warmer home, while continuing the quiet work of warming the hearts of others every day.