Release Date: June 6, 2011
City of San Antonio Communications and Public Affairs Department: 207-7234
Project Cool fan drive helping seniors beat summer heat
The City of San Antonio has joined Catholic Charities and community partners in calling on all citizens to help their senior neighbors avoid heat-related health/mortality risks this summer by donating electric box fans to this year's Project Cool fan drive and fan distribution program. The program is scheduled to last from June 6 through September 16 of this year.
"Coming off an unseasonably warm and dry spring, we know that countless seniors will need a respite from the upcoming sweltering heat of summer," Mayor Julián Castro said. "Project Cool provides an easy, effective way for San Antonians to help their neighbors live more safely and comfortably."
Residents and groups are encouraged to donate new 20-inch electric box fans by dropping them off at any nearby San Antonio Fire Station (excluding the Airport Station). "As firefighters and paramedics, we see firsthand the dangers our elderly residents face during the summer months so we're dedicated to making Project Cool a success by opening up our stations to fan donations," said Fire Chief Charles N. Hood.
Fans will be distributed to eligible seniors in San Antonio and Bexar County. Seniors in need of a fan for their home can call the United Way's 2-1-1 helpline to request a free fan. Eligible recipients must be at least 60 years of age and demonstrate need. Monetary donations are also being accepted. Checks may be made payable to "Project Cool c/o Catholic Charities" and mailed/delivered to 202 W. French Place, San Antonio, TX 78212.
Since its inception, Project Cool has collected and distributed nearly 72,000 box fans to senior residents throughout the community. Last year alone, over 7,800 San Antonio/Bexar County seniors received fans through Project Cool's outreach.
"For 15 years the City of San Antonio in partnership with community partners has been saving lives with a simple low cost fan program, Project Cool. The community can partner with Project Cool by donating a fan to any fire station or making a cash donation to Catholic Charities," said Steve Saldana, President/CEO, Catholic Charities Inc. San Antonio. Catholic Charities and Community Initiatives coordinate distribution of all box fans with valuable collection support from the San Antonio Fire Department; donations are stored for distribution by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul while the United Way of San Antonio & Bexar County provide intake support for the program.
Major sponsors and donors for this summer's Project Cool program include the WellMed Charitable Foundation, CPS Energy, Kronkosky Charitable Foundation, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, H B Zachry Company, and KENS-5 TV.
For more information on Project Cool, please visit Community Initiatives' website: www.sanantonio.gov/comminit.