In Savannah, Ga., Senior Citizens Inc. (SCI) has given out more than 200 box fans, with plans to continue gathering donations as the summer heat lingers.

Sponsoring the box fan drive for two decades, SCI officials share that they distribute nearly 1,000 fans annually. Marketing Communications Director, Maureen Bergmuller, emphasizes the importance for the local senior community’s health.

“As people get older, they lose the ability to regulate body temperature efficiently, which means they face greater risks from heat stroke and heat exhaustion,” Bergmuller explained.

SCI said that it can become expensive to run air conditioning in the summer months, which can make it harder for elders on a fixed income to get cool.

“A lot of seniors in our community are living on fixed income and they can’t crank up the AC like you can if you know have a little bit more disposable income,” Bergmuller said. “That’s why the fans are so important, whether it’s giving it to somebody that doesn’t have AC, God forbid, or somebody that does have AC and just needs a little extra cooling over time.”

Bergmuller said that the adults who have received a fan said it has made a world of a difference. Also said it provides SCI the opportunity to connect with elders in the community who might not have anyone.

“It not only helps them cool, but it gives them the opportunity to realize that their community cares about them and they’re not alone to struggle through this heat by themselves,” Bergmuller said.

SCI said that that box fan donations can be dropped off at the SCI headquarters at 3025 Bull Street in Savannah or you can make financial donations on their website.