TYLER, Texas — The Salvation Army is asking for the community's help to collect box fans for East Texans in need.
As part of their annual Beat the Heat Fan Drive, the Salvation Army of Smith County and East Texas Refrigeration are teaming up to help cool down the community. They are asking for donations of box fans to be passed on to those suffering through the summer heat.
"We need fans," Captain Jeremy Walker with the Salvation Army of Smith county said. "We have a lot of neighbors that need here in Smith County that can use a cool breeze."
Donors can drop off a new fan at the Salvation Army Center of Hope on North Broadway or online at the Salvation Army of Smith County's website.
"Unfortunately, there's a lot of folks that just don't have an air conditioner," Walker said. "There's a lot of folks in need that just don't have that cool breeze, and so to be able to have a fan there or maybe open up a window and evening and have a cool air blow through the house, that makes a big difference."
Walker added that if residents are in need of a fan to stay cool this summer, they can contact the Salvation Army officers over the phone or in person.