Prompted by Texas’ scorching summers, one local organization is taking control of keeping their community cool. The Senior Services Advisory Committee is a city-affiliated board tasked with ensuring the wellbeing of Kerrville’s senior population.
On Friday, July 12, the group hosted a community wide box fan giveaway at Louise Hays Park under the large pavilion. Though the group focuses on senior care, the event was open to all demographics. The board has proposed and completed multiple other projects in the past, but this year the rising temperatures made their decision obvious.
Assistant City Manager Kim Meismer, comments on the advisory board’s selection process, “Each year we try to decide on a community service project. This year we decided, since it’s summertime, we wanted to do a fan drive.”
Last year, Texas experienced its second hottest summer on record. For households without air conditioning the heat can become deadly. Heat exhaustion and stroke are common in Texas residents, especially the senior demographic. Peterson Health recommends wearing loose fitting clothing, reducing sun exposure, and drinking plenty of fluids to avoid heat-related illnesses. Sometimes taking these precautions isn’t enough for those without reliable air conditioning or ventilation.
Noticing a disparity of heat-safety resources within the community, the Senior Services Advisory Committee teamed up with local businesses to host a fan drive. Lowes, Home Depot, and Gibson’s donated a total of 48 box fans. The fans were free of charge and welcome to anybody needing to stave away the heat.
The public’s appreciation for the drive was felt. The event started at 11 a.m. and by 11:02 a.m. six fans were picked up. One of those firstcomers, Tammy Price, expresses her gratitude for the advisory board. “I am so thankful for the organization. These summers just keep getting hotter and hotter and this fan will help keep me cool this year.” Just an hour later the organization gave away its final two fans.
The committee’s agenda is centered around the distinct needs of its community members. The projects voted on and enacted target needs of Kerrville seniors specifically. A previous project with similar motivations was the Boomers and Beyond blanket drive during winter. Recognizing an issue among their target demographic, identifying it, and bringing a solution to fruition is the committee’s main function.
For more information regarding the Kerrville Senior Services Advisory Committee, visit the Senior Services section at www.kerrvilletx.gov.