Project Cool keeps elderly, disabled cool during summer months

Catholic Charities hopes to give out 5,000 box fans this summer

SAN ANTONIO – For the past 19 years, Catholic Charities has been working to keep elderly and disabled residents safe from San Antonio's oppressive heat.

Thanks to Project Cool, they've given out over 900 fans so far, but the summer has just started. They need your help in reaching their goal of distributing 5,000 fans this summer.

The city-wide initiative provides free 20-inch electric box fans to people 60 years and older and individuals with disabilities.

For Laura Migliore, her work day started with a quick stop to the Guadalupe Community Center on the West Side. She dropped off some cash and boxed fans for Project Cool.

"We wanted to provide something that would give back and in this case, it was to the senior citizens," Migliore said.

Migliore's donation was on behalf of the Association of Women in the Commercial Real Estate Industry.

According Catholic Charities President Antonio Fernandez, the effort especially helps those who can't afford to run their air conditioning all the time.

"Doing this, it's going to eliminate a nice big bill of $100 in just electricity, to keep the electricity running," said Fernandez.

Fernandez said last year they gave out 5,200 fans. 

"Now that San Antonio is getting hot again, people are coming to Catholic Charities for the fans," said Fernandez.

He hopes more generous donors like CREW help out.

"We ask people to think about the elderly, to think about your grandparents, to think about the people who are over 60. Help us help them because they don't have the means," said Fernandez.

The program runs through Sept. 30.

If you are in need of a fan, you can call 211 to find the nearest Catholic Charities location near you. Click here for more information on Project Cool.