Westlake Ace Hardware Stores Host a June Fan Drive To Help Local Citizens

Westlake partners with The Salvation Army to help local citizens keep cool this summer. The fans will be distributed in July.

KANSAS CITY, MO – June 1, 2021 – With summer fast approaching, Westlake Ace Hardware stores are gearing up to host their annual fan drive benefitting The Salvation Army. The fan drive will be held in 121 stores nationwide June 3-20.

During the fan drive, Westlake Ace customers are asked to donate by rounding up their purchase at the register. All donations go toward buying new box fans for local Salvation Army commands. Westlake Ace will kick off the fan drive with a donation of 625 fans.

Last year, Westlake and its customers donated a record-breaking $130,000 nationwide, equating to more than 9,000 fans given to the Salvation Army for distribution to fellow citizens.

“Every year, our customers amaze us with their generous support of the fan drive. By simply rounding up their purchase they are helping their fellow citizens stay cool during the hot summer months,” said Andy Schmitt, vice president and COO of Westlake Ace Hardware. “We are very proud to sponsor the fan drive and help supply fans for The Salvation Army to give to those in need.”

“Summer is a wonderful season, but it also brings life-threatening heat to individuals and families struggling to pay utilities and rent due to pandemic poverty,” said Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, National Commander for The Salvation Army. “Westlake Ace Hardware’s annual fan drive will keep thousands of vulnerable people cool and safe despite the heat.”

Donations to the fan drive can be made at any Westlake Ace or Buikema’s Ace Hardware stores. 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.

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.