Fan donations help needy stay cool

July 25, 2012 at 6:00 a.m. | Updated July 25, 2012 at 6:00 a.m.

Katie Bayer, a cashier at Westlake Ace Hardware in Fulton, Tuesday places a used and a new fan in a collection box at the hardware store. "We accept used fans as well as new fans that are distributed locally to needy people by SERVE," Bayer said.
Katie Bayer, a cashier at Westlake Ace Hardware in Fulton, Tuesday places a used and a new fan in a collection box at the hardware store. "We accept used fans as well as new fans that are distributed locally to needy people by SERVE," Bayer said.

With daily temperatures hovering around the century mark, staying cool can be tough without air conditioning.

For several years, Westlake Ace Hardware at 206 E 2nd St. in Fulton has served as a collection point for people who want to donate fans to needy people.

Katie Bayer, a Westlake's cashier, said the hardware store has an area set aside near the front of the store for people to donate fans and even some air conditioners.

"Yesterday we had a lady bring in a small air conditioner that she donated along with a fan," Bayer said.

"Most of the fans are purchased here at the store and donated but some also are brought in by people who want to donate them. They really like the fact that all of the fans are given to people in this area who need them," Bayer said.

"The people of Callaway County really are into donating fans to others in need. This is certainly a good time to do so with all of the extreme heat," Bayer said.

Bayer said the fans are distributed to needy people chosen by SERVE, Inc. in Fulton.

"When our holding area is full, we call SERVE and they come here and pick them up and distribute them," Bayer said.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.