Receive free fans from the Salvation Army in Oklahoma City.
Most years Oklahoma Gas and Electric will provide a limited number of fans to the Salvation Army and other non-profits in the community. These items are then distributed to low-income and elderly citizens across Oklahoma City so that they can find relief from the summer heat.
In past years, OG&E has delivered dozens of fans to the Salvation Army in Fort Smith, Oklahoma City, and the surrounding counties. The non-profit Salvation Army will then distribute the items to the needy. A special priority is for low income families with children, disabled, elderly, and seniors. Those individuals are most at risk of serious medical hardships if they can’t stay cool during the hot summer month, so they are first in line for help.
The Salvation Army will distribute the fans, for free, to Senior Citizens 65 and older. Then any extra units are provided to others in the community. Those individuals who need assistance with staying cool are encouraged to come to The Salvation Army corps center located at 301 N. 6th in Fort Smith. Or dial (405) 246-1060. Find more Oklahoma Salvation Army Centers.
In addition to the fans, if someone needs financial assistance for paying an air conditioning or cooling bill, the Salvation Army may rarely have funds for paying those bills. Funding is limited. However even if they do not have cash to provide, they can often help people apply for government assistance such as LIHEAP. This low income energy bill program may be able to provide cash to Oklahoma City families for their cooling bills. Click here for details on utility assistance from OG&E.
Many of the resources run off of donations and contributions from the local community, including businesses and private individuals. So to that end, the Salvation Army is also accepting donations. They accept new or gently used fans or money for the purchase of new air conditioners or fans. All of these items can be dropped off or mailed to the main office. All donors will receive a tax receipt, as all items donated will be tax deductible on your income taxes. In addition, members will be recognized as part of a Salvation Army Fan Club Member decal. For more information please call 479-783-6145
The Oklahoma City Social Service office may also have support, including cooling bill assistance and fans. Elderly and low-income residents who need help keeping cool, and want to explore government options, can apply for a free fan from social services. Call (405) 521-3646
To apply for a fan from the government, applicants will need to visit The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma at 501 S Harvey with proper documentation. This will include a Social Security card, picture ID, and proof of residency for all members of the household.
Please keep in mind that those people who have received fans or air conditioners in previous years not eligible for fans in the following year. For more information on how these or other programs work, contact the numbers listed above, or dial the Social Services office of the Salvation Army at 246-1060.
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