Community fan drive helps beat summer heat in Reno County

A successful community fan drive has collected dozens of box fans to help Reno County residents manage rising temperatures and high electricity costs this summer.
The Salvation Army received 53 fans for distribution through the annual effort, with 44 units donated through Westlake Ace Hardware's fan drive and an additional nine from another donor. The Westlake contribution represents $650 in customer donations collected through a recent round-up campaign at checkout.
The organization typically begins each season with surplus fans from the previous year, but that pattern changed this year. The Salvation Army started the season with only 60 fans, which were distributed rapidly despite somewhat cooler weather conditions.
This growing demand is attributed to rising electric bills, with many residents seeking cost-saving alternatives to running air conditioning units continuously. He emphasized that box fans can provide meaningful relief while helping families manage utility expenses.
The organization is managing fan distribution through an appointment-only system to control building traffic and ensure orderly service. Residents interested in receiving a fan must call (620) 663-3353 to schedule an appointment and bring proof of address along with photo identification.
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