Salvation Army Receives Donated Fan To Keep Community Cool

By Janet Cruz

Volunteers and community members gathered at Salvation Army on Swanson Avenue, to celebrate the upgrade to their patio structure and the installation of a cooling fan donated by River Cities United Way Aug. 20.

If you drive by Swanson Avenue, you will see a newly Air-Eye directional fan placed above the patio which creates wind blowing across the entire length of the area and has the capacity to reach all guests across the patio.

“River Cities United Way (RCUW) had been a part of the cooling station efforts in 2024, along with various volunteer and other organizations/locations. Cooling stations are for respite for individuals no matter their circumstances or background. Upon hearing that it was well received and what was a struggle to maintain in the efforts provided in the prior year, RCUW saw the ability to upgrade what is already available,” said River Cities United Way CEO, Ashley Wood.

“The high temperatures in the past weeks made this installation a needed enhancement to better serve the clients that frequent or visit the patio when in need or just to get some shade from the sweltering sun,” Wood said.

Photo Courtesy Ashley Wood

The initial support was provided through the grant that included utility vouchers for assistance to families in need who are recipients of the Lake Havasu Food Bank. The install was made possible with the support of UniSource for the grant to make it all possible, River Cities United Way for securing the funding and coordinating the install, and Mansell Welding for installation.

Installers from Mansell Welding pose with new fan. Photo Courtesy Ashley Wood

The new fan is motion sensitive and turns off automatically after five minutes of no motion detected on the patio.

“This feature ensures the fan is not operating unnecessary when no one is on the patio. It’s industrial build creates a wind blowing across the entire length of the patio to reach all guests.”

River Cities United Way aims to improve access to health, education and financial stability resources while ensuring individuals and families of all walks of life can meet their basic needs like food, shelter and medical care.

“The donation of the fan is a statement piece of improvement and collaboration. United is the way we are able to make these efforts possible. The day of the install we had just over 30 guests join us . Volunteers distributed resources. Free lunch was provided by Papa Leones Pizza in partnership with “Slice Out Hunger” for the community on unveiling day, with waters, cooling towels and kits.

“People rolled up their sleeves and picked up trash around the property, shared stories of struggles and accomplishments, displayed gratitude and offered hugs. The ability to stand United is the reason everything came together,” said Wood.

Free lunch was provided by Papa Leones Pizza in partnership with Slice Out For Hunger for guests and community members on fan unveiling day. Photo Courtesy Ashley Wood

River Cities United Way also collaborates with local businesses, churches, nonprofit organizations, civic groups and like-minded individuals to collect data and discuss programs that are available or can be enhanced with more outreach through strengthened community partnerships.

“The cooling fan is centrally located and in a highly visible area. We reached out to the local nonprofits to assess where the most impactful location would be suited with the offered enhancement. The Salvation Army also provides lunches during the week and often sees 30 or more clients daily and this will serve their clients,” Wood said.

” We are just really greatful for this donation,” said Social Worker at Salvation Army, Heather Crawford. we had some existing misters that we moved around to make way for this fan and it is very strong,” We are just thankful for this,” Crawford said.