Help Omaha Metro Residents Beat the Heat:
Donate to the Annual Fan Drive

Summer’s sizzling temperatures can take a toll on anyone, but the elderly, people with medical conditions and those without air conditioning are especially at risk. That’s why Westlake Ace Hardware’s annual Fan Drive to benefit The Salvation Army has been a vital lifeline to many in Omaha.

This year Westlake Ace and The Salvation Army celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Fan Drive. Stop by one of Westlake Ace Hardware metro-Omaha locations any time between June 1 and June 19 to round up your purchase or donate any amount of your choice. Donations can also be made online here.

Funds will be used to purchase fans for The Salvation Army, and all donations will support people in need in our local community, including low-income seniors, qualified families with children and adults with disabilities.

Donating to the fan drive is an easy way to make a big difference for someone in need. A single box fan can help reduce energy costs by properly circulating air throughout a home or by helping a small window unit air conditioner cool more efficiently.

Since beginning the Fan Drive, more than $57,000 has been raised in the Omaha metro area. That equates to 3,800 fans donated to help people fight the brutal summer heat. Nationally, the partnership – which began at one store in Hutchinson, Kansas, and has grown to 127 stores across the country, including eight stores in the Omaha metro – has helped raise $650,000 in the past decade.

“We are so grateful to every one of the Westlake Ace Hardware customers who contribute to the fan drive,” said Tiffanie McCowin, director of material assistance and seasonal services for The Salvation Army of Omaha. “Something as simple as a fan can make a tremendous difference in the health and comfort of the elderly and others who might struggle during summer’s hottest days.”

The Heartland Pioneers this year purchased 70 box fans from Westlake ACE Hardware for the Salvation Army Annual Fan Drive and donated them in the name of Dick and Cathy Maxwell.

For the past few weeks I have been collecting finished handmade items from Pioneer volunteers. In the last few day we collected 13 baby blankets, 3 bankets with matching cocoons and hats and 3 cocoon and hat sets.

On June 22 we delivered these items to ODM for distribution to Lydia House. They were accepted by the receptionist, Nancy.

Submitted Carolyn Wolkins – Photo by Bob Wolkins

On Saturday evening June 18 one of the Bellevue ladies in the Cozy Wrap group stopped by the Wolkins home and gave Carolyn 4 laps robes and 2 shoulder wraps she had knitted. On Sunday afternoon June 19 Carolyn called the Heritage Ridge and contacted Lenore her contact and she told Carolyn if she wanted to drive and drop them off today she would meet in at the reception desk.

On June 8 Carolyn delivered 14 crocheted baby blanket that one of the groups knitters dropped off to be delivered to Lydia House at the Open Door mission. On June 15 Carolyn and Bob took them over to the Open Door Mission. Bob dropped the bags of baby blankets in the parking lot then parked the car and took them in side. The receptionist Nancy accepted the donation and told Carolyn thank you. Nancy told Carolyn that the baby blankets were very much in need at Lydia House.

Submitted by Carolyn Wolkins – photos by Bob Wolkins