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Westlake Ace Hardware and The Salvation Army Celebrate a Decade of Cool Giving

As the 2022 summer Fan Drive kicks off, the two organizations mark 10 years of helping those in need beat the heat.

KANSAS CITY, MO – May 25, 2022 – As summer quickly approaches, Westlake Ace Hardware stores are gearing up to host their annual Fan Drive benefitting The Salvation Army. The Fan Drive will be held in 127 Westlake-operated stores nationwide June 1-19.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Fan Drive. What started at one location in Hutchinson, Kansas, the annual campaign has raised a total of $650,000 for The Salvation Army, allowing Westlake Ace to help provide more than 46,000 fans to those in need.

Westlake Ace was recently recognized with the coveted Others Award by The Salvation Army in Kansas City, Westlake’s hometown headquarters. The award honors an organization that has exhibited extraordinary service on behalf of others and exceptional service benefiting The Salvation Army and the community.

“When the Fan Drive started ten years ago, we really had no idea the impact it would end up having on the communities we serve,” said Andy Schmitt, vice president and COO of Westlake Ace Hardware. “The fact that we’ve been able to put 46,000 fans into the hands of people in need speaks directly to who we are as a company. We are truly humbled and grateful for our partnership with The Salvation Army and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of our friends, customers, and neighbors.”

During the Fan Drive, Westlake Ace customers are asked to donate by rounding up their purchase at the register. All funds go toward buying new box fans for local Salvation Army commands. Westlake Ace will kick off the fan drive with a contribution of 750 fans. Fan supplier Lasko also donated 200 fans to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Fan Drive.

“With so many Americans continuing to face hardships this year, staying cool during the summer months should not have to be another challenge for those in need,” said Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, National Commander of The Salvation Army. “We are deeply grateful to Westlake Ace Hardware for again coming alongside The Salvation Army to provide heat relief for vulnerable families and individuals.”

Donations to the Fan Drive can be made at local Westlake stores nationwide, including Buikema’s Ace Hardware stores in Illinois and Ace Hardware of Chico, Fresno, Turlock, and Woodland, California. If customers prefer to donate online, they may do so at westlakehardware.com/fan-drive. All donations, both in-store and online, stay in the local community.

Media Contact:

Tom Mentzer
Mentzer PR Group (for Westlake Ace Hardware)
(913) 626-9066
tmentzer@mprg.biz

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