Natchitoches Parish Council on Aging (NPCOA) is hosting its annual fan drive benefitting older adults in the parish. Many seniors find it challenging to stay cool during the hot summer months, especially those on a fixed income. Exposure to the extreme heat, like our area has been experiencing this past year, including many ‘Excessive Heat Advisorys’ can be very dangerous, even deadly, for older adults. Fans are an easy way to control utility costs, as well as help to lower body temperatures and circulate the air.
The fan drive will take place Thursday, June 27 at the NPCOA office from 10 am – 12 pm, 1016 Keyser Avenue, across from the movie theatre. However, the NPCOA is accepting donations now and throughout the summer months.
Those in need or wishing to receive a fan can call or drive by the NPCOA office, or, call 318-357-3250 to be put on a distribution list. Fan distribution will be ongoing during the event and during the weeks following the fan drive until donations are exhausted. If you know someone, 60 years or older, in need and would like to find out about eligibility, please call the NPCOA office. If you received a fan last year, you may still be included on the list, but those who did not receive a fan will be accommodated first.
“We know many of our older adults have limited funds and we need to help provide some relief monetarily, as well as help to keep them comfortable with cooler air temperatures & circulation in their homes this summer,” said Alice Barrios, Executive Director at the NPCOA.
Monetary donations and box fans are also being donated by businesses in town. “We couldn’t do it without our generous sponsors. Local businesses always show up to support our projects; we are so thankful to live in a community where everyone shows up to help each other out,” said Patrice Parker, Outreach Coordinator and project lead for the fan drive at the NPCOA. “We want to encourage businesses and individuals to participate in this fan drive so we can provide fans to our neighbors in need. Please purchase a box fan and drop it off at our location on Thursday, June 27 so we can distribute them as soon as possible.”
For more information, contact Patrice Parker, Outreach Coordinator at the Natchitoches Parish Council on Aging, 318-357-3250. Find out more about the NPCOA by visiting www.npcoa.org and follow us on Facebook.
