The fan drive coordinated by the Allen Council on Aging (ACOA) in July is still underway as organizers continue to deliver the donations given to the agency.
Pat Jones, Executive Director for the agency, said they were targeting 200 fans to be distributed across the parish. This week, she said they were halfway to the goal.
“What a great project it has been”, Jones said as she explained they were about halfway toward the agency’s goal.
Jones expressed appreciation to the many donors and supporters of the agency. With over 3,500 aging citizens in Allen Parish, she said, “We cannot thank everyone enough for what they have done. We have had several big surprises and are in awe of who just walked in the door with a donation.”
The agency’s target of putting 200 fans into the aging population’s homes will help the elderly with the inclement weather and the high costs of utilities.
Jones stated through the monetary donations and fans brought to the agency, ACOA has had the ability to pay a portion of the higher utility bills many are experiencing this summer due to the extreme heat and higher fuel costs. In many cases, elderly residents’ utilities are more than their social security check they receive each month. As she explained the process, she said some residents receive checks of no more than $400 to $600. She has even met with representatives of utility companies in the area to ask for assistance in cases where the elderly cannot pay their bills. In several cases the agency’s assistance has prevented the elderly person’s services from being discontinued.
ACOA to visit
Kinder
August 9th
There will be a representative of the agency at Kinder City Hall on Tuesday, August 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to take applications for assistance, Jones said. Anyone in the Kinder and Reeves areas should bring in their utility bill and proof of income and age.
There are several criteria steps to be met to qualify for this assistance so be sure to bring all your documents.
ACOA to visit
Oberlin
August 10th
A representative of the agency will be at Allen Parish Senior Center in Oberlin on Wednesday, August 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. for anyone in the Oberlin, Soileau and Mittie areas to apply for utility assistance.
For additional information, please call 800-256-2851.
