SAVANNAH, Ga. ()– Senior Citizens Inc. (SCI) has already distributed over two hundred box fans, but as summer heat is expected to continue, the organization continues to collect donations.

Officials at SCI have been sponsoring the box fan drive for the past 20 years and said they have distributed close to 1,000 fans each year. Marketing Communications Director, Maureen Bergmuller said it is crucial to the well-being of local seniors.

“As you age, your body doesn’t regulate temperature as well, so older adults are much more susceptible as a result to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and much, much worse,” Bergmuller said.

SCI said that it can become expensive to run air conditioning in the summer months, which can make it harder for elders on a fixed income to get cool.

“A lot of seniors in our community are living on fixed income and they can’t crank up the AC like you can if you know have a little bit more disposable income,” Bergmuller said. “That’s why the fans are so important, whether it’s giving it to somebody that doesn’t have AC, God forbid, or somebody that does have AC and just needs a little extra cooling over time.”

Bergmuller said that the adults who have received a fan said it has made a world of a difference. Also said it provides SCI the opportunity to connect with elders in the community who might not have anyone.

“It not only helps them cool, but it gives them the opportunity to realize that their community cares about them and they’re not alone to struggle through this heat by themselves,” Bergmuller said.

SCI said that that box fan donations can be dropped off at the SCI headquarters at 3025 Bull Street in Savannah or you can make financial donations on their website.