Drive to help Oklahomans beat the heat

The Salvation Army’s box fan distribution program got underway Wednesday at The Salvation Army Center of Hope with a donation of 175 fans from Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co.

The faith-based organization has begun a fund drive to restock its supply of fans for the program, in partnership with Westlake Ace Hardware. Individuals can make monetary donations toward the purchase of fans at metro-area Westlake Ace Hardware stores through July 9.

A kickoff celebration for the fan drive will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Westlake Ace Hardware, 11801 S Western. Popcorn and bottled water will be given to people who stop by. Westlake Ace Hardware is kicking off the fan drive in the Oklahoma City area with a donation of 50 box fans.

For a $5 donation, one “fan blade” can be given; $10 provides two blades; $15 provides three blades; or $20 will purchase an entire fan. Any donation amount will be accepted.

Contribute to The Salvation Army drive at westlakehardware.com/ fandrive.