Local Salvation Army sees spike in fan requests, seeks donations

CEDAR RAPIDS - Officials with The Salvation Army in Cedar Rapids are requesting fan donations after their supply became greatly depleted due to the recent intense heat in Eastern Iowa.

For safety reasons, The Salvation Army is looking for new, box-style fans, but officials are also accepting contributions earmarked for fans, according to a news release.

"The summer heat can be especially dangerous for vulnerable populations like the elderly, households with young children or those with special medical needs,” Lindsay Hand, director of social services for The Salvation Army, said in the release. “We want to reach out to those in the greatest need and make sure that they are assisted.”

Fan donations can be made at The Salvation Army at 1000 C Ave. NW and credit card donations can be made online at tsacedarrapids.org.

Those interested in receiving a fan this year must contact The Salvation Army to check availability. Officials are limiting fans to one per household.

Residents in need of a fan should call (319) 364-9131 for more information.

Salvation Army officials also said in the release their gym facility will remain open as a cooling site from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday when the heat index is projected at 95 degrees or warmer.