DETROIT – Extreme heat across Metro Detroit has many residents searching for ways to stay cool, including free fan giveaways.
But a box-fan distribution hosted by the Salvation Army Grandale Corps in Detroit ended early after the organizers ran out of supplies within an hour.
“We were going to do it yesterday from 10 to 12 and today from 10 to 12,” said Envoy Margaret Gaster with the Salvation Army. “But by 11 o’clock yesterday, the fans were all gone.”
Gaster said the site received 137 box fans donated by Ace Hardware and promoted the two-day event online, believing the supply would last through both distribution windows.
“We thought it would stretch over the two days, but it did not,” Gaster said.
On Tuesday (June 30), some community members arrived to find signs posted on the doors reading, “Sorry, we are all out of fans.”
Gaster said turning people away is the last thing the organization wants to do, especially during a stretch of dangerous heat when needs are rising across multiple services, including its food pantry.
The Salvation Army Grandale Corps is now asking the community to help meet demand, particularly for residents without air conditioning.
“We have a lot of seniors in this area. And I would say maybe 10 percent would have an air conditioner. The rest are just going off fans,” Gaster said. “They’re keeping their house locked up, so the heat doesn’t get in, but then it gets stuffy in there.”
How to help
The Salvation Army Grandale Corps is accepting donations of:
- Box fans
- Small air conditioners
- Shelf-stable food items, including proteins
Donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army Grandale Corps at 11325 Montrose Street, Detroit.