Voluntary Action Center’s fan program needs support during a sweltering summer
With Columbia’s recent sweltering heat index, staying cool is important for safety as well as comfort. And the Voluntary Action Center’s fan distribution service is in need of help.
The VAC, a non-profit serving low-income residents with wellness and advancement resources, is in the middle of their summer fan program, which provides some cool to people in need, with a focus on senior citizens, people with disabilities, pregnant women and families with infants and small children.
“With the weather heating up, the requests for fans have increased,” said VAC Director Nick Foster. “For many of our clients, this service makes a big difference with staying cool.”
The VAC accepts fans in new or good condition, and donations to help purchase fans are also accepted. Generally, a fan costs around $15.
“[We’re] well ahead of where we were at this time last year.” Foster said. “We can expect need of at least 400 fans this summer. Last year we distributed over 350 fans.”
So far, the VAC has distributed over 230 fans. Donations or financial contributions can be sent to the VAC’s office at 403A Vandiver Drive, or they can be dropped off at Lowe’s. Fans have been distributed since May 18, and the VAC hopes to continue the service, provided it has adequate supplies, until September 11.
“Being more comfortable makes life less stressful for anyone,” Foster said. “For households with low income, this challenge is greater because of their lack of resources. VAC’s fan program helps to fill that gap.”
Photo, “Firstline Mechanical Fan, provided by Pavel Sevela and licensed CC by SA 3.0.
