WASHOE COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES NEWS RELEASE – Washoe County’s Department of Senior Services (WCSS) 2013 Fan Drive is accepting donations from the community to provide electric fans for distribution to seniors in need.Everyone who wants to help seniors survive the summer heat is encouraged to drop off new fans at the WCSS in Reno at Ninth St. and Sutro.
“We currently have a waiting list of over 50 people and we expect demand for fans to reach 400 over the summer months,” said Leslie Williams of WCSS. “We make every effort to deliver the fans as quickly as they are donated, and we have seen an increase in demand this week as seniors, one of the most vulnerable populations in our community, prepare for the forecasted heat wave this weekend.”
Williams said the WCSS has distributed over 100 fans since June 7, 56 of which were donations from the community. Recipients are seniors age 60 and over who do not have air conditioning to help keep them comfortable during the hottest time of the summer months. WCSS also encourages seniors to use the air conditioned Senior Center at Ninth St. and Sutro during the day to escape the 100 degree heat.
Seniors in need of fans should contact Washoe County Senior Services at 775-328-2575, or stop by the WCSS offices at 1155 E. 9th Street, Building E.
WCSS accepts donations of new fans only to ensure the fans provided to senior citizens will be functional and dependable for 1-2 years. Many other community organizations, including the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities do accept the donation of “gently used” items.
Fans may be dropped off or picked up at Washoe County Senior Services, 1155 E. Ninth Street, Building E, Reno, between 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Only donations of new fans in the box will be accepted. To qualify for a fan, recipients must be 60 years of age or older. Seniors without air conditioning and those that have not previously participated in the program are a priority. Contact Washoe County Senior Services at 775-328-2575.
