"Fantastic Fan Drive" helps low-income senior citizens | News

THOMASVILLE, GA (WALB) - If you've been outside lately, than you know how hot it is.

And while most of us don't even think twice about turning on our air conditioners, the same can not be said about low-income senior citizens.

"Most of our people live on Social Security checks alone and they can not afford the utility bills. They're not able to open their windows because they are scared to open their windows because of people robbing and stuff," said Senior Center Director Phyllis Chastain Nail.

The Scott Senior Center in Thomasville caters to 70 members who can get there by car or bus, and 75 others who are home bound.

And that's why the Center organized this "Fantastic Fan Drive."

"The weatherman speaks of us having much hotter weather than usual and I'll agree already. And you'd be surprised how to sit down when you get home from the Scott Center and have a fan that you can cut on and help cool you off," said Senior Center Member Wilma Furney.

Furney says she is very appreciate of this drive. "In our younger years we did things for other people and I think it's wonderful for the senior citizens to be remembered in such a special way."

The center is asking for new or used box or table fans and/or monetary donations. "As you know here in south Georgia we have summer just about all the way till Thanksgiving. So hopefully we'd like to have everything collected and done by July, by the end of July, if not before," said Nail.

Health officials say seniors are the most at risk for heat related health problems.

They say these conditions can range from mild discomfort to full-fledged emergencies.

You can drop off fans at the Senior Center on North Stevens Street or make arrangements for center volunteers to pick them up.

Your donation is tax deductible.

For more information or to learn how you can help the Senior Center please call 229-226-9470.

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