Westlake Ace spins-up a fan drive

Westlake Ace Hardware stores are once again joining forces with The Salvation Army to host their annual fan drive.

“Service is one of our core values, and ​the ​fan drive is just one of the many ways we serve our stores’ communities,” said Andy Schmitt, vice president and COO of Westlake Ace Hardware.

The hardware chain said it is aiming to help local citizens stay cool during the approaching summer months. The fan drive is going on now through June 18.

“Every year our customers and store associates come through with their support of the program, and we know we can count on them again this year to help us reach our goal,” said Schmitt.

All donations, said the firm, will go towards purchasing new box fans for local Salvation Army commands. Westlake Ace has pledged to kick off the event with a donation of 750 fans.

“While the needs of the families we support continue to increase as summer approaches, including increased childcare needs and limited access to free or cost-effective meals, families shouldn’t have to deal with those additional uncertainties while in uncomfortable, scorching temperatures,” said Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, the national commander of The Salvation Army.

Customers at Westlake Ace Hardware stores will be encouraged to donate to the cause by rounding up their purchases at the register.

Contributions to the Fan Drive are welcome at all Westlake Ace stores across the country, along with Buikema’s Ace Hardware locations in Illinois and Ace Hardware stores in Chico, Northeast Fresno, Livermore, Turlock, and Woodland, California.

The Fan Drive, now in its 11th year, began as a grassroots effort in Hutchinson, Kansas, and has grown to encompass 129 Westlake-Ace stores nationwide.

“We at The Salvation Army are so appreciative of Westlake Ace Hardware and the generosity of their customers in continuing to support their vulnerable neighbors,” said Hodder.