For the past 25 years, TXU Energy's signature 'Beat the Heat' program has played a pivotal role in helping thousands of Texans stay safe and cool through fan donations like these. (Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

As scorching temperatures continue to rise, Meals on Wheels East Texas, TXU Energy, and PATH (People Attempting To Help) once again united in a collaborative effort to ‘Beat the Heat’ this summer.

Their joint initiative aims to keep community members cool and comfortable by launching a box fan giveaway program, ensuring much-needed relief reaches those most vulnerable to the heat.

“There are many clients in East Texas who don’t have a way to cool their home, so these fans are very important,” said Tiffany Damskov, executive director of Meals on Wheels East Texas.

Three years ago, a phone call from a Meals on Wheels client in urgent need of a fan prompted the nonprofit to reach out on social media for assistance. PATH responded by inviting Meals on Wheels to join their annual fan drive.

“We are all in this together and trying to help our clients in East Texas,” Damskov said. “We’re helping those who are most vulnerable to remain cooler in their own homes. That is a huge impact for everybody concerned.”

This year, TXU Energy has donated $10,000 to provide fans for families in need throughout the Tyler area. Meals on Wheels and PATH are set to distribute over 450 box fans to recipients, offering crucial support during the hottest months. Especially those who may not have access to air conditioning units.

“We work very closely with PATH and Meals on Wheels of East Texas to help our vulnerable customers here in East Texas with fans,” said Patrick Johnson, Energy Assistance Manager of TXU Energy. “It’s a great opportunity for us to work with them and help customers that they have on their route.”

As temperatures rise, there is a growing need to keep vulnerable people cool and comfortable, with economic factors also playing a significant role in this challenge.

“People are becoming more conscious of where they’re setting the temperature on their thermostats,” Damskov said.

“If you have the fan going, it’s going to make you feel five degrees cooler,” Johnson said. “It also helps reduce their electric bill … they’re not using as much usage trying to keep their temperature on the thermostat low.”

For the past 25 years, TXU Energy’s signature ‘Beat the Heat’ program has played a pivotal role in helping thousands of Texans stay safe and cool through fan donations.

“It makes you feel really good knowing that you’re helping families keep cool in their homes,” Johnson said. “The last thing you want to see is somebody having some type of heat-related illness. We’re doing the work of making sure people are well taken care of … and being a part of a great company that gives back to the community is the best thing in the world to me.”

Andrea Wilson, executive director of PATH, highlighted the challenges they’re facing this year in securing fan donations, and is calling for community action.

“We’re able to purchase these at a discounted rate through Home Depot, or you can go to another of the other vendors in town, buy a fan and drop it off at our offices (402 W. Front St., Tyler),” she said.

According to Wilson, this initiative not only addresses mobility limitations but also combats loneliness by allowing volunteers to engage directly with Meals on Wheels clients during their visits, offering companionship and support beyond material assistance.

“We find that people get really lonely at home,” Wilson said. “We have people who come into PATH and say ‘I don’t really need anything. I just need somebody to talk to.’”

For more information regarding the fan drive, visit People Attempting to Help (PATH) or Meals on Wheels of East Texas. For those who need assistance with electricity bills, call 211 or visit 211texas.org to find out about TXU Energy Aid and other programs that can help.