October 2025: Ellen Grucella

For years, Ellen has been active within the Lancaster/Depew community. A Brownie and Girl Scout leader of five years, she volunteered at the Depew Community Center when it officially opened, St. John’s Lutheran church, and the Lancaster/Depew Soccer Club. She is the only woman to hold the position of Secretary for the Lancaster/Depew Baseball Club. She aided in sign-up events, managed the snack stands at games, gathered sponsors for each team, and organized plaques and awards at the end of the year. For the past two years, she has worked at the local food pantry and ensured perishables were distributed in refrigerator bags, donations from local companies which she helped source. Ellen’s son had a Chiari Malformation which required brain surgery during middle school. Living with numerous disabilities, he required specialized care throughout his life, appointments with many specialists, and even more surgeries. A parent’s worst nightmare became her reality in 2012 when her son, at 21 years old, passed away from Neuroendocrine Carcinoma. Since 2022, Ellen experienced a downward turn in her health that left her unable to work. When she finally had surgery, she experienced additional complications and broke her knee during the recovery. Her insurance doesn’t cover treatments for her knee, nor new glasses. She is too young to collect social security, and is stuck in limbo trying to make ends meet. For the past two years, she has sold plasma twice a week to help pay her bills. With her furnace being older and in need of repairs, we hope to give her peace of mind with a brand new unit.

“I’m so overwhelmed right now. This is wonderful news. I’ve been saying many prayers.” – Ellen

October 2025: Catherine Rivera

Catherine is a community leader who has fallen on hard times. She and her late husband impacted the lives of many children through West Side Little League Football and cheerleading. Working full-time, and spending all of her time outside of work building an organization that provides a safe and welcoming environment to all families that desire an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of football and cheerleading. In the spring of 2025, Catherine lost her husband. She is still working hard to keep his spirit alive in the league. She has been without a working furnace throughout the winter of 2024, as the cost of replacing the equipment was too much. She intended to have it replaced this year, but with the loss of her husband, her goal has become further out of reach.

“I’m so excited we’re finally able to get her heat.” – Catherine’s Niece, Melissa

2024: Mike and Coleen Peeters in Hamburg

Mike is a former Marine who endured damage to his ears and leg during his service for our country. He worked full-time and went to school full-time so he could proudly start his own business, which he still runs to this day. He takes pride in a job done right: thoroughly, properly, and with beautiful results. He has endured some health issues in the past few years that which have caused hurdles in his ability to maintain the clientele and pace he used to have. With baby steps, he is determined to overcome these challenges. Coleen has provided plasma several days a week for decades, but hers is especially unique. It is used to create injections that pregnant women receive to save their baby’s life while in the womb. Without these shots, thousands of women’s bodies would have rejected their babies, and thanks to Coleen, so many beautiful, healthy babies have survived full-term and thrived after birth. She also engages in numerous Mary Kay events to help empower women to achieve their goals, and be loving, humble, and generous to their significant others, families, friends, and communities. She has remained a steadfast and loyal bookkeeper and manager for her employer, who keeps semi-trucks and trailers maintained and repaired for reliable delivery services our country needs. Since the COVID pandemic closed the doors of so many businesses, the company operates week-to-week, never knowing if this will be the week their doors close, too. Their furnace is 35 years old, and they have never had A/C. Their old 1800s home has been lovingly cared for by their determined hands, and to receive a new furnace, and possibly A/C, would be such a treasured gift for them.

October 2023: Karen Sickau

In 2023, our Emerald team proudly joined the Feel the Love mission once again, bringing comfort and care to another deserving local family. While their story may not be told here, their gratitude and the smiles that filled their home remind us why this program means so much year after year.

October 2022: Ruth

Emerald Heating & Cooling first joined the Feel the Love program in 2022, marking the beginning of a heartfelt tradition. Though only photos remain from that first year, the memories of teamwork, generosity, and the joy of helping a neighbor in need continue to inspire us to give back in every way we can.