In response to oppressive temperatures, United Way of Lowndes County and Helping Hands are teaming up for a seventh annual summer fan drive. Donations of new box or stand-up fans, in their original packaging, will be collected throughout the summer months.
“The idea behind the fan drive is to help those in our community who have either no air conditioning or inadequate air conditioning,” said Nancy Guerry, executive director of Helping Hands. “For many, they must make the unenviable choice of either running their air or purchasing their medications or food.”
Any Lowndes County resident may request a fan. Applicants are asked to provide a photo ID, social security number and a current light bill which has their name and address on it, Guerry said.
“We can only give one fan per household,” she noted.
United Way is pleased to be a point of collaboration throughout the community for the fan drive, said Danny Avery, its executive director.
“Helping Hands is one of the very wonderful agencies that we’re privileged to work with here,” he said.
How to help
Fans may be dropped off at the Helping Hands office or the United Way office. Both are located at 223 22nd St. N. Office hours are primarily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“Or, if they will call Helping Hands at 662-328-8301 or United Way at 662-328-0943, we will pick fans up,” Guerry offered.
Last year, the drive collected 178 fans; all were distributed. As of Wednesday, this summer’s drive had already collected 56 fans. Almost all of those have already been given out.
“We appreciate the community’s response to this need in the past, and we are looking forward to having another great season of caring for our neighbors in a viable way,” said Guerry.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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