Salvation Army Seeks Fan Donations As Heat Dangers Rise In Tulsa

Summer has gotten off to another hot start in Green Country.

To fight the triple-digit heat and keep people alive, the Salvation Army started its annual fan drive on Saturday.

EMSA has issued repeated warnings after responding to multiple heat-related calls.

The sweltering temperatures inundated local charities with requests for help.

The Salvation Army is one of them.

Every year, it sets up cooling stations where people can grab water, get out of the heat and cool down.

“We are seeing an increase in our Center of Hope and the places where we offer shelter for the people who need to get out of the heat,” area commander Ken Chapman said.

That's why Chapman says this year’s fan drive is even more important than ever.

“We want to make sure that our most vulnerable population can be taken care of – our elderly, our disabled, the people, the families that have children."

The agency is accepting donations. For every $20 given, a box fan will be purchased.

Chapman says with more and more people in need, he hopes the Tulsa community will step up and help.

“As long as our community joins hands with us, I know we can be a winner,” he said.

If you'd like to help with the fan drive you can donate at all six Tulsa area Westlake Ace hardware stores or go to the Salvation Army website.

The drive lasts through July 10.