The Salvation Army and Westlake Ace Hardware Team Up for Annual Fan Drive
As temperatures rise, fan donations help individuals and families stay cool
The Salvation Army of Greater St. Louis is pleased to partner with Westlake Ace Hardware for its annual Fan Drive, as temperatures begin to rise. The Drive, which runs May 18 through June 6 at participating Westlake Ace Hardware stores, helps individuals and families right here in our community to stay cool during the hot summer months.
Customers can round-up their purchase in store, or make a donation online at salarmy.us/FanDrive.
"Westlake Ace Hardware has been an incredible, longstanding parter of The Salvation Army, helping to serve suffering humanity," said Major Adam Moore, General Secretary and Greater St. Louis Area Commander. "The heat can be especially hard on the unhoused and elderly populations, and our most marginalized neighbors rely on the generosity of the community in times of need. We are so grateful for the support we receive here in St. Louis and across our Division, serving Missouri and Southern Illinois."
Nationwide, the Fan Drive now spans 210 Ace stores across the county. Since inception, it has raised
over $1 million and distributed more than 70,000 fans.
“The Fan Drive shows how small acts of generosity can make a meaningful difference,” said Jeremy
Van Ommeren, vice president of stores for Ace Retail Group. “Working together with The Salvation
Army and our customers, we’re proud to help provide a simple solution that can vastly improve
comfort and safety during the hottest months of the year.”
In addition to providing fans, The Salvation Army's 18 corps community centers and several institutions across Missouri and in Southern Illinois serve as cooling shelters when our communities reach extreme temperatures, where we offer respite, bottled water and compassionate care.
“Summer heat can place a serious strain on individuals and families who are already facing difficult circumstances,” said Commissioner Merle Heatwole, National Commander of The Salvation Army. “Through this partnership, we’re able to respond in a practical and meaningful way—offering not just relief from the heat, but a reminder that people are seen, supported, and not alone.”