The Salvation Army Helps Those in Need Beat the Heat
As temperatures soar during the summertime, many metro-area residents – particularly the elderly, the disabled, those with chronic health conditions and those who are experiencing homelessness – struggle to stay cool and hydrated.
The Salvation Army helps anyone in need “beat the heat” through a pair of community-focused programs, both of which will be in operation this week as temperatures top the mid- to upper-90s.
Cooling Centers
Two of our metro-area corps will open their doors this week as cooling centers to offer air-conditioned spaces and cold bottled water during specific operating hours. Anyone in need of relief from the heat is welcome to stop in. Cooling center locations and hours are as follows:
Kroc Center
2825 Y St.
Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
North Corps
2424 Pratt St.
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Summer Fan Program
The Salvation Army of Omaha and Westlake Ace Hardware recently wrapped up their summer fan drive, collecting more than 400 box fans donated by customers to help those in need stay cool when summer temperatures sizzle.
“This is the tenth year of the fan drive,” said Capt. Kelsie Moreno of The Salvation Army Western Division. “Thousands of fans have been given to people in need through this partnership, and we are so grateful for the continued support of the community.”
“Teaming up with The Salvation Army for the fan drive is something we love doing,” said Sean Grant, general manager of Westlake Ace Hardware. “It’s helping out your neighbors, people who live next to you, down the street. It all stays in the community, so it’s nice to be able to reach out and help those who you see every day.”
The box fans are available free of charge this week and throughout the rest of the summer at The Salvation Army Burrows Center for Help and Hope in Benson (6101 NW Radial Hwy.). Anyone in need is eligible to receive a fan, with preference given to disabled persons and seniors.
Those interested in receiving a free fan should bring the following documents with them to the Burrows Center:
- Photo ID
- Social Security card or birth certificate
- Proof of address within the last 30 days
Questions about the fan program? Call the Burrows Center at 402-898-5860.