KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Westlake Ace Hardware is again joining forces with The Salvation Army to host their annual fan drive, aiming to help local citizens stay cool during the approaching summer months. The Fan Drive will take place through June 18.
Customers at 129 Westlake Ace Hardware stores will be encouraged to donate to the cause by rounding up their purchases at the register. All donations will go towards purchasing new box fans for local Salvation Army commands. Westlake Ace has pledged to kick off the event with a donation of 750 fans.
In 2022, Westlake Ace and its customers raised $100,000 nationwide, resulting in more than 6,300 fans distributed in communities across the country. Since the campaign began, a total of $750,000 has been raised and more than 52,000 fans given to those in need.
“Service is one of our core values, and the Fan Drive is just one of the many ways we serve our stores’ communities,” said Andy Schmitt, vice president and COO of Westlake Ace Hardware. “Every year our customers and store associates come through with their support of the program, and we know we can count on them again this year to help us reach our goal.”
“While the needs of the families we support continue to increase as summer approaches, including increased childcare needs and limited access to free or cost-effective meals, families shouldn’t have to deal with those additional uncertainties while in uncomfortable, scorching temperatures,” said Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, National Commander of The Salvation Army. “That’s why we at The Salvation Army are so appreciative of Westlake Ace Hardware and the generosity of their customers in continuing to support their vulnerable neighbors.”
The Fan Drive, now in its 11th year, began as a grassroots effort in Hutchinson, Kan., and has grown to encompass 129 Westlake-Ace stores nationwide.
