The Electric Power Board is partnering with United Way of Greater Chattanooga, Ace Hardware and other local organizations to beat the heat this summer for families in need through the ninth annual Fan Fund program.
Electric Power Board employees are buying hundreds of boxed fans to be distributed to those in need in July.EPB plans to donate at least 200 box fans July 15 and July 22 to households in need, said Pam Baker, corporate communications specialist for EPB. Ace Hardware will be selling the fans to EPB at cost, she said.
According to Tim Chavis, 2-1-1 senior resource manager for United Way, a person or family who cannot otherwise afford a fan and did not receive one last year is considered "in need." Individuals who meet those two requirements can apply to receive a fan by calling 2-1-1 or 265-8000 and asking about the Fan Fund.
"We've had 50 calls so far and as the weather gets more intense, we're going to start getting more calls," said Kelley Nave, director of public relations for United Way of Greater Chattanooga.
Baker said she expects there will be more need this summer than in years past because of this spring's tornadoes. She said if there is need and sufficient funds, EPB will provide more than the expected 200 fans.
"These people are out there and they don't have anything," she said. "At least we can provide them with a fan to circulate the air a little bit."
Chavis said if there is more need than EPB can meet, United Way will help direct those still in need to the Salvation Army's Beat the Heat program.
In addition to EPB, United Way of Greater Chattanooga and Ace Hardware, 107.9 Big FM, the Chattanooga Times Free Press, KZ106 and WGOW are also collaborating on the Fan Fund.
Donations can be made online at www.timesfreepress.com/fanfund.