ROCKINGHAM — One local veterans organization is trying to help Richmond County seniors beat the heat this summer.
American Legion Post 147 donated 10 box fans to Richmond County Aging Services on Monday.
Aging Services Director Jacqueline Welch said her department generally starts asking for fans in May and starts passing them out in June.
Not including the American Legion’s donation, Welch said Aging Services has distributed 175 fans since May.
The program is partially funded through the Lumber River Council of Governments, according to Welch. Aging Services also asks the community for either contributions of fans or monetary donations to purchase more.
Welch said the Aging Services works with the Rockingham Lowe’s store to purchase the fans at cost.
Temperatures this week are expected to range from the low to upper 90s with a heat index of 100 degrees or higher.
Other organizations and businesses making contributions so far this year are:
- American Legion Post 73 (Ellerbe)
- Bostick BP
- Pee Dee Baptist Association Women’s Missionary Union
- 1st Baptist WMU
- Nebo Wesleyan Church
- Shear Dimensions & Sneeds Grove AME Zion Church
- Enviva
- FirstHealth Richmond nursing staff
Aging Services has also received contributions from Dennis Holloway and Pastor Michael Morman as well as unnamed or anonymous parties.
Welch said many recipients run their fans so much during the summer months that the fans only last a year or two. She added that there is still a need for fans across the county.
To donate, contact Aging Services at 910-997-4491 or visit the office at 225 S. Lawrence St., next to the Rockingham Fire Department.
