Friday, June 22, 2001

Residents asked to donate fans for elderly

Summertime conjures images of lemonade and lightning bugs. But for senior citizens without a way to cool off, summer heat can be deadly.

To help, Fulton County will collect fans all summer during Operation Cool Breeze, with an initial drive this week.

Citizens can donate fans, or cash for the purchase of fans, at the Peachtree level of the Fulton County Government Center, 141 Pryor St., SW Atlanta. This donation site will be open through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. For directions or more information, call 404-730-6000.

The Human Service Department's Office of Aging will collect the fans from donation sites and distribute them at no cost to Fulton County residents over age 55. Staff will also share tips on how to keep cool.

Donations will also be accepted at the following locations throughout the summer:

H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility, 2885 Church Street, East Point, 404-762-4821.

Harriet G. Darnell Senior Multipurpose Facility, 677 Fairburn Road, NW, Atlanta, 404-699-8580.

Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Facility, 6500 Vernon Woods Drive, Sandy Springs, 404-705-4900.

Operation Cool Breeze is intended to help protect the County's elderly from heat exhaustion, caused by excessive exposure to heat. The elderly are vulnerable to this illness, characterized by nausea, mental confusion and excessive or no sweating.

To report an elderly Fulton County resident who needs help getting heat relief, call 404-730-6000.

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