Ten years ago, Stephen and Karen Smith, owners of Peninsula Heating and Air, Ordinary, took a “leap of faith” and started a project that has helped change the lives of many in the community. PHA’s Project Comfort and Joy is in full swing once again and applications are due Dec. 6.

According to Karen Smith, both hers and his parents instilled in them at a young age the importance of sharing kindness and compassion with others in their lives. “We were taught to do it privately and anonymously, which always makes us uncomfortable talking about giving,” she said.

That’s why instead of focusing on the company giving away an HVAC system free of charge, she wanted instead to share the stories of some of those who have been impacted by the project. “The responses of each winner have consistently been so very heartwarming and unrestrained,” she said. “This compels us to work hard so that we can continue sponsoring our contest every year.&r...