AMARILLO, TEXAS -- 2-1-1 Texas Panhandle is asking the community to donate fans, sunscreen, chapstick and sunglasses to help the homeless or those who are at risk of becoming homeless.
The annual fan drive has given about 30 families what they need to ensure they can stay healthy and not rack up their air conditioning bill. The drive began this spring and will last until August 31. It is aimed at people over the age of 60, those living on disability and those with children under the age of two in their house. Fans of any kind are being accepted as long as they are completely functional.
"When you're dealing with people that are on a fixed income, you know- if you're living off of $700 to $800 a month from social security- you can't afford your electric bill to go from $40 or $50 a month to $150 a month," United Way Employee Paul White said. "Fans like these right here that y'all brought in cost a whole lot less to run than the air conditioner does."
White added last year's fan drive helped more than 100 families, and with temperatures soaring to the 100s, the health of the homeless is at stake. Some people are also having to choose between staying cool and putting food on the table.
"You can't just go and spend all your money running your air conditioner, so people have to make that choice. These will help me finish up the people that have already registered, which is awesome."
Donations can be made at the Guyon Saunders Resource Center located at 200 S. Tyler. Those wanting to register for a fan can do so at the same location.
