Record Fan Drive Brings Relief for River Valley Residents
For the past several years, The Salvation Army Fan Drive has helped River Valley residents stay cooler during hot and humid Arkansas/Oklahoma summers. Each year the fan drive grows, in large part due to the key sponsors who help promote it.
"OG&E always kicks off the fan drive," said Becky Gentry, Salvation Army Social Services Director. "This year on June 20, they brought by 75 fans."
Yeagers Ace Hardware has also been a partner for the past seven years, growing their participation from a one-day discounted fan donation day to a two-week "round up the change" program that ends up purchasing hundreds more fans. This year, Yeagers exceeded last year's donations with 343 fans in partnership with KTCS 99.9.
Lowe's in Van Buren and Fort Smith, in partnership with Spirit 106.3, has also been a consistent supporter in the fan drive, donating 191 fans through their fan drives this year.
"We can't thank our partners and our generous community enough," Captain Staci Gainey said. "This program helps so many in our community who truly need relief from the heat."
If you or someone you know is in need of a fan, contact The Salvation Army at 479-783-6145 or visit them at 301 N. 6th Street in Fort Smith. Criteria include:
Applicants must have photo ID, proof of all members of their household and current proof of address (the proof must be dated within the last 30 days).
One fan per address.
A person/household is eligible for a fan once every 2 years.