Salvation Army seeks donations to help area residents beat the heat

As temperatures continue to climb in the Tennessee Valley, more and more people need help beating the heat.

To meet that need, the Salvation Army has launched its second annual Beat the Heat campaign, which provides locals with free water, fans and help paying utility bills during the summer.

Hundreds of people – including families, children, and the homeless – have received aid, and dozens of fans have been distributed by caseworkers since the beginning of June, according to Kimberly George, the Salvation Army’s director of marketing and development.

“In just two weeks, we have already distributed over 50 fans,” George said in a news release. “The largest need we have in the summer is relief from the heat. The Salvation Army asks for new box fans and monetary support to provide utility assistance for low-income families.”