by Carolyn Carpenter
With record heat hitting much of the country this summer, many corps and other Salvation Army programs and facilities reached out to care for their neighbors in a variety of ways. In Quincy, Ill., this summer marked the 20th year The Salvation Army has collected and distributed electric fans to provide comfort to those without air conditioning.
New this year, The Salvation Army teamed up with Ace Hardware in Quincy, Ill., and Palmyra, Mo. A display encouraged customers to purchase fans to be given to community members in need. Stores also displayed signage at the registers encouraging patrons to round up their bills or donate to help pay for fans to be purchased and given out to members of the community through the program.
According to Regional Social Services Director Heidi Welty, fans were distributed in June from family services facilities not only in Quincy but in Hannibal, Mo. Special consideration was given to older adults and to families with young children.
