Annual Fan Drive Surpasses $1 Million in Total Donations

Since 2012, community support has helped Westlake Ace Hardware provide more than 70,000 fans to those in need 

 Kansas City, MO – July 1, 2025 – Westlake Ace Hardware is proud to announce that its annual Fan Drive has officially surpassed $1 million in donations since the program began in 2012. Thanks to the generosity of customers and the support of 157 participating stores, thousands of people facing extreme summer heat will once again receive a box fan, giving them comfort and safety.

 Over the past 13 years, the Fan Drive has grown into a powerful nationwide effort in partnership with The Salvation Army. To date, more than 70,000 box fans have been distributed to seniors, low-income families, and others in need across the communities Westlake Ace serves. This year alone, customer donations totaled $93,000, helping people stay safe and cool during the hottest weeks of summer.

 From mid-May through mid-June, Westlake Ace customers were invited to round up their purchases at the register to support the drive. Westlake Ace then used 100 percent of those donations to purchase box fans at cost and distribute them through local chapters of The Salvation Army. Westlake Ace also contributed additional fans to increase local impact.

 “Crossing the $1 million threshold is a milestone that speaks volumes about the power of community,” said Joe Jeffries, president and CEO of Ace Retail Holdings (parent company of Westlake Ace Hardware). “This program started with a simple idea, to help our neighbors stay cool. Now it has grown into something truly impactful. Our customers’ generosity and our associates’ passion have turned pocket change into life-changing donations for more than 70,000 households.”

 “The Fan Drive is one of several community-driven efforts Westlake Ace Hardware supports each year, reflecting the company’s commitment to being more than just a hardware store. We are a neighbor you can count on,” Jeffries added.

 About Westlake Ace Hardware

For 120 years, Westlake Ace Hardware has been the helpful neighborhood hardware store countless generations have relied upon for power and hand tools, fasteners, paint, plumbing, lawn care, pet products, electrical supplies, and BBQ grills and accessories. Westlake lives the Ace Helpful Promise every day by delivering reliable service, helpful advice, and products so its customers and neighbors get their projects done right every time.

 Westlake Ace has been part of the Ace Hardware Cooperative since 1959. From its headquarters in the Kansas City area, the company currently owns and operates more than 175 stores in 13 states.

 Westlake Ace is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ace Retail Holdings. A division of Ace Hardware Corporation, Ace Retail Holdings currently owns and operates more than 250 Ace Hardware stores nationwide under the Breed & Co., Buikema’s Ace, Dennis Company Ace, Great Lakes Ace, Westlake Ace, and Outer Banks Ace brands.