AUGUSTA, Ga () – The Salvation Army, in collaboration with Escape Outdoors, is gathering donations of water bottles and fans to support local community members during the upcoming summer season.

According to Janelys Villalta, the Marketing and PR Manager at The Salvation Army of Augusta, having access to these essentials is crucial as temperatures rise dramatically.

“This is not only important for our residents at The Center of Hope but for the broader community, particularly those experiencing homelessness. Many people can easily access a bottle of water, but there are others who struggle to find clean drinking water. We aim to be a resource where they can find safe, clean water,” explained Villalta.

She says they also want to let people know that if anyone does not have any extra money to have your A/C on all day, they will have plenty of fans by the end of the month for anyone who needs them.

The owner of Escape Outdoors, Hannah Bassali, is also on The Salvation Army of Augsta’s advisory board.

Villalta explains more about their partnership.

“If you go to either of the Escape Outdoors locations, you’ll see a big Salvation Army barrel there and you can just drop off your donations in that barrel, there’s also a QR code on the barrels that you can scan and order directly online from our wish list and that’ll ship right here to the Center of Hope.” said Villalta.

Along with fans and water they will also take any summer essentials.

“Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, that kind of stuff is great for the people that we serve, so if you’re in excess of those things as well please feel free to drop them off. It’s great for us to know that we have those things so that when clients come and ask for them we can give them out.” Villalta said.

If you wish to donate any of these items, you can drop them off at the Escape Outdoors locations or The Salvation Army locations.