$110,000 Donated for Heat Relief

Westlake Ace Hardware stores raise funds to give 7,300 fans to those in need.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (July  12, 2021) – Westlake Ace Hardware recently partnered with The Salvation Army for their annual fan drive. This is the 9th year of the partnership that benefits local communities by providing box fans to those in need.

During the fan drive, Westlake Ace customers were asked to donate by rounding up their purchases at the register. In the span of just 18 days, $110,000 was donated at participating Westlake Ace stores nationwide. 

Westlake then turned customers’ donations into fans, given at cost, and added an additional 700 fans for the charity. In total, nearly 7,300 fans are being donated this summer to various Salvation Army commands to distribute to those most in need.

“Our annual Fan Drive is a testament to the generosity of our loyal customers and their willingness to help their fellow citizens,” said Andy Schmitt, vice president and COO of Westlake Ace Hardware. “At Westlake, we pride ourselves on being actively involved in the communities where we do business. We are proud to facilitate the fan drive and do our part to provide life-saving heat relief during dangerous summer temperatures.”

“Westlake Ace Hardware again has come alongside The Salvation Army to provide heat relief for vulnerable families and individuals,” said Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, National Commander of The Salvation Army. “With millions more in need due to the pandemic, the significance of their generous contribution for heat relief cannot be overstated, and we’re deeply grateful.”

Fans are being delivered to Salvation Army commands in mid-July. To find out how much was raised in your community, please contact Susan Shank @ sshank@mprg.biz.

About Westlake Ace Hardware

Headquartered in the Kansas City area, 115-year-old Westlake Ace Hardware has been the helpful neighborhood hardware store countless generations have shopped at for power and hand tools, fasteners, paint, plumbing, lawn care, pet, electrical supplies, and BBQ grills and accessories. It has been part of the Ace Hardware Cooperative since 1959, and a wholly-owned Ace subsidiary since 2012. Westlake currently owns and operates 150 stores in 12 states.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 135 years in the United States. Nearly 25 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a range of social services: food for the hungry, relief for disaster survivors, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, and opportunities for underprivileged children. Eighty-two cents of every dollar donated to The Salvation Army are used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. The Salvation Army tracks the level of need across the country with the Human Needs Index (HumanNeedsIndex.org). For more information, go to salvationarmyusa.org or follow on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS.