It’s the height of summer and a local nonprofit is trying to keep its cool as it provides hope and healing to children coping with cancer and other serious illnesses.

Beads of Courage, which moved into a 4,200-square-foot “Forever Home” at 3301 N. First Ave. earlier this year, is facing a $16,000 replacement expense for an air conditioning unit.

The building is the hub of the nonprofit’s global operations and programming — and the home of its volunteer center and Master Bead Pharmacy, from which it distributes 14 million beads worldwide annually.

“I am so thankful for all of our amazing donors who believe in beads and made this home for our bead family a reality. It still hasn’t sunk into my heart that we were able to raise the downpayment needed to take ownership of this amazing property. It has streamlined so much for the small and mighty team serving our mission daily and is really a beacon of hope and love,” said Jean Gribbon, Chief Mission Officer of Beads of Courage.

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