LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - A Lufkin hospice organization is asking the community to help keep vulnerable residents cool this summer, and they need your help now.
Harbor Hospice is hosting a fan drive throughout the entire month of July, collecting box and oscillating fans for less fortunate individuals, families, and seniors who lack adequate cooling in their homes.
All donated fans will go to the Salvation Army, which will distribute them to those in need. Anyone who needs a fan can visit the Salvation Army, fill out a form, and receive one.
Community Education Coordinators Christi Barrett and Jenny Wright say they see the need firsthand when visiting patients across Angelina and Nacogdoches counties.
“We can walk into a home and there’s not any circulating air,” Barrett said. “Especially a lot of our seniors that have COPD and CHF and debilitating diseases that make it harder for them to breathe. Our area, the Eocene fields in the East Texas area are very high. So, our air quality is lower. The humidity is seriously high right now.”
Barrett added that even one fan can make a significant difference. “Those of us that are more fortunate don’t always realize how important just one fan can be. If they don’t have air, maybe they can just sit in front of the fan and breathe better.”
Coordinators say last year’s drive fell short of its donation goals, even as demand continues to grow.
“The collections are going down, but the need is going up,” Wright said. “Expenses are higher, and there’s a bigger need. We’re really hoping that we’ll get more people contributing.”
Barrett, an LVN who serves a 60-mile radius outside of Lufkin and Nacogdoches, said the organization hopes to eventually expand the drive to surrounding communities including Center, St. Augustine, Garrison, Crockett, Groveton, and Alto.
Where to drop off fans
The drive runs through July 31. New box and oscillating fans are preferred. Drop off a fan at any of the following locations:
- Harbor Hospice – 402 S. John Redditt Dr., Suite 203, Lufkin
- Kennedy Health and Rehab – 504 N. John Redditt Dr., Lufkin
- Countryside Senior Living – 406 Gobblers Knob Rd., Lufkin
- Visiting Angels – 517 Gaslight Blvd., Lufkin
Need a fan?
If you or someone you know needs a fan, visit Lufkin’s Salvation Army, fill out a form, and request one.