Keeping cool just got a bit easier for senior citizens in need.

For the 16^th year, Entergy Texas Inc. has provided box fans to charitable, nonprofit agencies that in turn will give them to clients in need.

On Thursday, 120 Lasko brand fans were delivered to Salvation Army-Port Arthur as well as a number of other locations around the area. Faye Stuart, a member of the Salvation Army-Port Arthur church since 1959, said without the fans some wouldn’t survive.

“I use fans at my house. I have one little air-conditioned room. I work outside in my garden and when it gets too hot I like to come inside and sit in front of the fan and cool off,” Stuart said. “I always keep at least one fan going at all times. The secret is not to let it get hot.”

Stuart said that by using fans to circulate the air she is able to sleep at night without turning on her air conditioner. The frugal senior citizen even keeps her electric bill to no more than $50 a month.

Fellow senior citizen Rosa L. Allen, who takes part in the women’s ministry at the Salvation Army-Port Arthur branch, knows the importance of using fans to keep cool.

When asked if she worries about high electric bills, she answered yes and no.

“Fans help out a whole lot and I have ceiling fans and one floor fan,” Allen said. “I think the fans (from Salvation Army) will help a lot of people since seniors typically do not want to put on their air because they are worried about a high bill.”

For some seniors, she said, there is the worry of using their air conditioner and getting a high bill. Then comes the issue of stretching dollars; not pay the bill and the electricity gets turned off or pay the bill and not have enough money to pay for needed medications.

Salvation Army Maj. Nancy Fuller said the donation of fans is a big help to those in need.

“We are so glad we finally got them,” Fuller said. “A fan can make all the difference in the world.”

The 20-inch box fans are designated for senior citizens. Senior citizens need to bring proof of residency and age. For more information about the fans at Salvation Army, call 983-2229.

 

The donation of fans comes at a time when high temperatures combined with high humidity lead to potentially dangerous heat index values between 108 and 112.

A heat advisory means a period of time when heat related illnesses are possible, according to the National Weather Service-Lake Charles. They advise to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room if possible, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.

For those who must work or spend time outside, try to schedule strenuous activities to the early morning or evening hours, wear light weight, loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.

Entergy Texas Inc. also provided fans to these other charitable, nonprofit agencies:

• Some Other Place, 1119 McFaddin St., Beaumont — 40 fans
• Salvation Army-Beaumont, 1490 N. Seventh St., Beaumont — 120 fans
• United Christian Care Center, 293 Wilson, Vidor — 30 fans
• Salvation Army-Orange, 1950 MLK Jr. at Strickland, Orange — 120 fans
• Community Care Prayer Outreach, 808 B Nederland Ave., Nederland — 60 fans

Another set of fans were districted between the City of Dayton, Rainbow Room in Beaumont, St. Vincent DePaul in Winnie, Christian Caring Sharing in Sour Lake, Christian Care Center in Silsbee, Hardin County Appeals and Tri-County CAP in Hardin County.