Annual drive nets 20 fans in time for heat wave

Westlake Ace Hardware in West Plains recently participated in an annual fundraising drive to purchase box fans. For several weeks leading up to June 25, customers were asked to round up their purchases. The store raised about $205, which provided 20 box fans just in time for the season’s first heat wave. The effort is a partnership between the Salvation Army, Ace Hardware and Ozark Action Inc., a local nonprofit that will distribute the fans based on need. Officials with the Salvation Army and Ace Hardware said a total of about 78,000 fans have been donated in 210 communities since the initiative began. Pictured from left are Ace Hardware employee Brandon Hilt, OAI community service representative Heather Williams, community services program manager Haylee Summers, community services director Angie Berry and Ace Hardware employee Erin Ramsey.