photo by: Bremen Keasey/Journal-World

The Ace Westlake Hardware store at 601 Kasold Drive is seen here on May 26, 2026.

Before sweltering summer temperatures arrive in Lawrence, a local hardware chain is working to raise funds to provide local individuals and families in need with tools to beat the heat.

The Westlake Ace Hardware stores, in partnership with The Salvation Army, are collecting donations for their annual “Fan Drive,” which raises funds to purchase new box fans to help families stay cool and safe during the summer months.

Karen Lieblein, an assistant manager at the Westlake Ace Hardware store at 601 Kasold Drive, told the Journal-World that the store asks customers when they check out at the register if they would like to “round up” their total to donate, with the extra change going to the fundraiser. For example, if a customer’s total was 10.88, and they opted to round up their purchase, a total of 12 cents would go to support the drive.

Last year, the fan drive raised enough funds to distribute 73 box fans across Lawrence to help families stay cool. Lieblein said that since the drive started, Westlake Ace Hardware stores have raised over $1 million nationwide, which has distributed more than 70,000 fans.

photo by: Contributed

Box fans are stacked on top of each other. During Ace Hardware’s annual Fan Drive last year, the hardware store raised enough money to purchase 73 fans for families in need to stay cool during the summer.

In a statement, Jeremy Van Ommeren, vice president of stores for Ace Retail Group, said the fan drive shows how the small donations from each customer can create a “meaningful difference.”

Lieblein said it means a lot to help local people through this fundraising effort, but the customers are “the real heroes” through their choice to give back. Along with the potential to round up, customers can also choose to donate $1 or $5 at checkout, and Lieblein said many choose to go the extra mile.

“Their generosity makes all this possible year after year,” Lieblein said.

According to the American Red Cross, extreme heat is a leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., and older adults, pregnant women, babies and young children are especially at risk for suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke. With the summer months ahead where temperatures can climb to 100 degrees, Lieblein said this drive is incredibly important to help families.

“When it starts to get hot…it can be really dangerous,” Lieblein said. “Knowing what we do here can impact someone’s life is amazing.”

The “Fan Drive” runs through June 6 at both Westlake Ace locations in Lawrence — the 601 Kasold Drive location and the 711 W. 23rd St. location. More information about the drive, including a place to donate directly to the campaign, can be found at The Salvation Army’s website.