Westlake Ace Hardware donates dozens of fans to Salvation Army

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Across the United States, some people are struggling to beat the record-breaking heat waves, but in St. Joseph, Westlake Ace Hardware has donated dozens of box fans to the Salvation Army to ensure residents stay cool this summer.

"We are so blessed, we thank the community," Social Services Director for the Salvation Army, Emily Bravo, said. "This is going to give a lot of our community members the opportunity to stay safe and cool this summer."

While St. Joseph is still in the early summer months, average temperatures are settling in the upper-80s, leaving those without access to air conditioning to face dangerous heat.

Westlake Ace Hardware has worked with the Salvation Army since 2012 to provide box fans to low-income families, seniors and others in need.

"Ace Hardware, in general, has raised over $1 million annually for this drive," General Manager of Westlake Ace Hardware, Mark Sidwell, said. "It kind of goes along with our core values of, you know, helping the community and doing what we can when we can to help anything in need, and right now it's the heat."

Westlake Ace, its employees and customers worked together to raise $1,020 in a recent register round-up campaign, raising enough money to purchase 62 box fans, which were donated to the Salvation Army and will be distributed to individuals and families in need throughout the area.

"We appreciate each one of them," Bravo said. "Even if it was a few cents rounded up, every penny matters."

Sidwell said the community has been just as enthusiastic about giving back as Westlake Ace and the Salvation Army are.

"We get a lot of good comments from the customers coming in and, you know, with the heat and everything, it makes them feel good to be able to help the community out where needed," he said.

While the box fan drive is over for the season, community members can still help the Salvation Army provide for those in need by calling the non-profit at 816-232-5824 or visiting their St. Joseph location at 602 Messanie St.

Due to the extreme heat, the organization is currently asking for donations of sunscreen and bottled water.