More than 1,500 fans collected as part of this year’s Fran’s Fans

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - A total of 1,516 fans were collected this year during Fran’s Fans!

WECT partnered with Lowe’s Home Improvement stores this summer. The fans collected will be delivered to senior centers in all five counties of the WECT viewing area.

With temperatures already in the 90′s, it’s important to provide relief to elderly people who either can’t afford to purchase a fan or don’t have the ability to get to a store.

“For certain older adults, as they age and develop chronic medical conditions, they are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature,” says Andrew Zeldin, Social Worker Supervisor at the New Hanover County Resource Center. “They may also be taking medications that can worsen the impact of extreme heat or have a broken air conditioner in their home. Through Fran’s Fans, and Operation Fan Heat Relief, we can provide a free fan, which helps improve quality of life.”

Lowe’s Home Improvement donated $2,500 to Fran’s Fans. Those fans will be divided and given to senior centers in Columbus, Bladen, Brunswick, Pender and New Hanover counties.

“Lowe’s is part of the community and we are proud to serve our neighbors,” says Bill Ferimer, store manager at Lowe’s. “We are grateful to participate in the annual Fran’s Fans collection and remind people that we are here for them. In addition to our in-store participation, Lowe’s will be making a donation of 150 fans to kickstart this year’s collection.”