Electric Fans Needed For Local Seniors And Disabled Residents

In preparation for warmer temperatures this season, KIPDA Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living is again partnering with Louisville Metro Office for Aging & Disabled Citizens (OADC) to collect electric fans for seniors and persons with physical disabilities.  The fans will be distributed to qualified individuals within the KIPDA region including Jefferson, Bullitt, Henry, Shelby, Oldham, Spencer, and Trimble Counties.

Donations of new box fans will be collected through June 14 at:

• KIPDA, 11520 Commonwealth Drive (Lou., KY 40299)
• WLKY Studio, 1918 Mellwood Ave. (Lou, KY 40206)

Drop off hours are Monday through Friday; 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. for KIPDA and 8:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. for WLKY.

Monetary donations will also be accepted to purchase fans. Make checks made payable to KIPDA, Attn:  Fan Fair Program and mail to the address on Commonwealth Drive listed above postmarked by June 14.  If you would like to make special arrangements for a donation or need further information, please contact Sarah Teeters (502) 574-5092 at the OADC or Jennifer Craig (502) 266-5571 at KIPDA.

Last year, over 600 fans were distributed to residents in need thanks to fan or monetary donations given by community organizations, churches, businesses, and private citizens.  Local station WLKY TV32 provided both on-air and on-line advertising, in addition to serving as one of the drop-off locations, and will provide similar support to this year’s efforts.

On June 24, a “Fan Fair” will be held from 8 a.m.- 12 p.m. at The Edison Center located at 701 W. Ormsby Ave. to distribute the collected fans to seniors 60 and older, as well as to individuals with physical disabilities, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Qualifications to receive a free fan will be:

• Person 60 years or older
• OR documentation verified by a physician of a physical disability
• Must be a resident of Jefferson, Oldham, Henry, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble or Bullitt Counties
  • Proof of address and age will we required
• One fan per household

“We are excited to be partnering with Louisville Metro Office of Aging & Disabled Citizens again this year, helping older adults and persons with disabilities stay comfortable during the summer months, stated Barbara Gordon, director of the KIPDA Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living.  “I am proud of all of the community partners who support this effort and help to make it happen.“

“As we continue to address the effects of our city’s urban heat island, it is imperative that our community responds to those individuals who are most in need of cooling assistance”, stated Gena Redmon, director of the Louisville Metro’s Department of Resilience and Community Services which oversees the OADC.   “Donating a fan is an easy and compassionate way to make a difference in the life of a vulnerable neighbor.”

Coinciding with the Fan Fair will be a health fair open to all ages to provide basic health checks and information from local area resources. Louisville Metro Department of Public Health & Wellness and LMPD will also facilitate a ‘Take Back Event’ to properly and safely dispose of unwanted or expired prescription drugs.

For more information about the fan donations or Fan Fair, visit www.louisvilleky.gov/communityservices or www.KIPDA.org.