St. Louis Area Westlake Ace Hardware Stores Donate 200 Fans to The Salvation Army
As temperatures begin to rise, Westlake Ace Hardware and The Salvation Army were prepared to launch our longstanding Fan Drive on May 19. However, on May 16, tornadoes tore through the St. Louis area, and a difficult, mutual decision was made to postpone the drive and ensure our focus was on serving our neighbors in need in the wake of those storms.
Our friends at St. Louis area Westlake Ace Hardware stores have generously donated 200 new box fans – valued at over $3,900 – to help individuals and families stay cool during the hot summer months. Last year, Westlake Ace customers in the St. Louis area donated more than $1,800 resulting in 120 box fans given to the local Salvation Army for distribution in the local community. The increased volume donated by Westlake Ace this year will enable us to meet the increased need following the series of tornadoes impacting our area since March.
“Some of our most heavily impacted neighbors in North St. Louis remain without power due to ongoing safety concerns,” said Major Adam Moore, General Secretary and Greater St. Louis Area Commander. “Earlier this week, temperatures reached 90 degrees in St. Louis, encouraging more individuals to seek shelter and cooling centers. We are grateful to Westlake Ace for their continued partnership and this incredible act of kindness when our community needs it most.”
Nationwide, the annual Fan Drive with Westlake Ace spans 157 stores, and has raised more than $1 million, distributing more than 70,000 fans since the program’s inception.
“From the beginning, the Fan Drive has made a tangible difference in the lives of people across the country,” said Joe Jeffries, president and CEO of Ace Retail Holdings (parent company of Westlake Ace Hardware). “Our customers' generosity continues to inspire us, and we’re proud to help provide relief to those who need it most. Giving back is part of who we are.”
For 120 years, Westlake Ace Hardware has been the helpful neighborhood hardware store countless generations have relied upon for power and hand tools, fasteners, paint, plumbing, lawn care, pet products, electrical supplies, and BBQ grills and accessories. Westlake lives the Ace Helpful Promise every day by delivering reliable service, helpful advice, and products so its customers and neighbors get their projects done right every time.