With forecasted temperatures surpassing 100 degrees in the upcoming days, businesses and homes without air conditioning need some relief.
Since May 1, Helping Hands of Columbus has held their annual fan drive, collecting donations of fans and distributing to people in need. The drive will continue until temperatures cool down in November.
Forty-nine fans have been given away so far this year, and there are 47 fans still available for those in need. The organization has also raised $577 since May to help with fan expenses.
Helping Hands is in its 34th year, and they have done a fan drive annually for at least 15 years.
Jennifer Garrard, executive director of Helping Hands, said in order to receive a free fan, you must live in Lowndes County.
“We have to see their photo ID and social security card, and their current electric bill. The reason we ask for that current electric bill is because we want to know that they have electricity,” Garrard said.
Eligible residents can receive a fan every other year from Helping Hands. Garrard said people come in daily needing a fan.
“As long as we have them, we give them away. We usually carry over a few at the end of the season,” she said.
Those interested in donating can bring fans to the Helping Hands office on 223 22nd Street North in Columbus, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Only new fans are accepted. Helping Hands also accepts monetary donations to buy fans.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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