Salvation Army to give away more than 1,300 fans to those in need
This year is shaping up to be one of the top five hottest years on record and Sedgwick County residents who are financially struggling, disabled or elderly can pick up a free box fan from the Wichita Salvation Army.
Most of Kansas is expected to have higher than normal temperatures this summer, including Wichita, according to an analysis by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center.
Evergy donated 960 of the 1,300 fans and a little less than half remain. The Salvation Army is expecting another shipment later this month of about 350 fans from Westlake ACE Hardware, according to a Salvation Army spokesperson.
The fans will be handed out until they’re gone.
“We serve a community that might not have the resources to have their air conditioner cranked up to get the cooling that some people would want and so having that fan relief just to move some air and to be able to sleep comfortably is really what we’re doing,” said Jill Skaggs, director of Wichita’s Salvation Army.
To pick up a fan, go to any of the Wichita Salvation Army Centers and they will bring it to your car. Calling ahead is encouraged as hours may vary due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Downtown Koch Center, 350 N. Market, 316-263-2769
- Citadel Community Center, 1739 S. Elpyco, 316-685-8699
- West Orchard Community Center, 1910 S. Everett, 316-943-9893
Those who wish to donate can go to the Salvation Army website, or purchase fans directly and bring it to any of their locations. They will distribute it to someone in need, according to Skaggs.
“We’re just trying to make it so people are comfortable and safe when the heat hits,” Skaggs said.
This story was originally published June 30, 2020 at 2:53 PM.
