Three down. Two more to go.

That's the sentiment for Fran Carroll and other representatives of the volunteer-run Village Players of Hatboro after two surprise $5,000 checks were donated recently. The checks will allow the nonprofit group to buy two more air-conditioning units, bringing the Jefferson Avenue theater's 

"We probably need two more after that," Carroll said. "We also have other major repairs we need done including our light system and roof repairs."

In all, Carroll said the Village Players probably need $20,000 total to cover various improvements. However, those, unlike the need to keep the theater cool, are not "dire" situations, he said. 

The Village Players began fundraising to replace its "beyond repair" air-conditioning system last spring.

At that time, Carroll said that without air-conditioning the theater troupe faced curtains for good. Since then, the troupe has focused efforts on buying smaller cooling units instead of saving for one large $20,000 system, he said. 

Prior to the most recent $10,000 contribution, the Village Players had only raised roughly $5,000 in nearly a year's time. 

The hope from the anonymous donors, Carroll said, is that the latest contributions will "spur further charity."

How you can help

Donations can be made to the Village Players of Hatboro by clicking on the PayPal link on the group's Web site.