Helping Hands and United Way of Lowndes and Noxubee Counties are once again combining forces to collect box fans for residents who need help beating summer’s heat. Many are seniors who may not have working air conditioning, or who are living on fixed incomes and unable to afford running existing cooling units.
Pandemic disruptions caused the fan drive to get off to a bit of a late start this year, said Helping Hands Executive Director Nancy Guerry, but as temperatures climb, requests for help are ramping up.
“We’ve had a lot of calls,” said Guerry. “People are beginning to understand that summer is finally here.”
New box fans, in their packaging, may be donated to Helping Hands from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Thursday at 223 22nd St. N. in Columbus.
“If someone needs to do it at another time, we’ll make arrangements,” Guerry said.
The director acknowledged some people might be uncomfortable shopping for fans in a crowded store at present due to health concerns. If so, checks made out to Helping Hands and designated for fans are welcome. They can be mailed to Helping Hands, P.O. Box 1241, Columbus, MS 39703. The nonprofit agency will use the funds to purchase box fans through a partnership with Military Hardware.
The global pandemic’s effect on the local economy is being felt by agencies including Helping Hands. Jobs lost or hours cut in the commercial community as a whole have meant some families can’t stretch the budget to run air conditioners. It’s also increased need for the agency’s food pantry, as well as appeals for assistance with rent or utilities.
“We’ve seen so many more people,” said Guerry.
The fan drive will continue as long as hot weather does, the director remarked.
“As long as the fans come in, as long as we have a fan to give out,” she said.
For more information, contact Helping Hands at 662-328-8301.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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