FEC = Family Eldercare

1) How long has FEC conducted the Summer Fan Drive? 

The first Summer Fan Drive was eighteen years ago in 1990.  The 2008 Fan Drive is the 18^th Annual Summer Fan Drive.

2) How many fans did FEC distribute in 2007 and to how many families?

Family Eldercare and our Partner Organizations distributed nearly 7,500 fans and 74 air conditioners to more than 3,500 households.  Fans are distributed to low-income older adults, people with disabilities and families with children.

3) What about distribution of air conditioners?

Air conditioners are available on a limited basis to those with serious medical conditions.

4) What is our service delivery area for distribution? 

Currently, FEC distributes fans through distribution sites to people living in Travis, Bastrop, Blanco, Caldwell, Colorado, Comal, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano and Williamson counties.  Agencies, religious congregations, or other organizations in these and surrounding counties that wish to become a distribution site should call 459-4FAN.

5) When will the 2008 Summer Fan Drive kickoff and when will it end? 

The Fan Drive will officially kick off on Monday, June 2, and will extend throughout August 31. Fans are available through September, depending on the temperatures.

6) If someone needs a fan, what is the process the person should follow to receive a fan?

The person should call the Fan Drive telephone number at 459-4FAN and leave their information on the voice mail if the Fan Drive Coordinator is not available.  Fan requests at Family Eldercare are taken Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 AM and 1 PM.  Requests received after 1 PM will be processed for the next working day.  However, if a person comes to the office after 1 PM Family Eldercare staff will make all efforts to assist the person in need.  All who make a request for a fan should be referred to the closest distribution site, especially those who need the fan delivered to their home.

Eligibility:  Elderly person (55 years of age and older), Disabled adult (person over 18 years of age receiving disability benefits), Families with children.  Income should be at 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or less.  Assets should be under $25,000.

7) Does Family Eldercare have a limit on the number of fans it can give a person or family?

The number of fans a person or family receives is determined on a case-by-case basis.  It is determined by number in household, number of rooms in household, etc.

8) If someone needs an air conditioner, what is the process the person should follow?

The client must be referred from another social services agency or organization. In addition to meeting the financial eligibility guidelines of the fan drive, air conditioner recipients must be a frail elderly person (over 65 years) or document a medical need that warrants a cool, air-conditioned room.  Documentation of the medical need must be provided and must be current within the past three months. An application should be requested by calling 459-4FAN.

9) Is there a limit to how many air conditioners a household may receive?

Generally, one window unit will be provided to keep a room in the home cool. Exceptions may be made in extenuating circumstances (lack of mobility or severity of condition of recipient).

10) What opportunities exist for someone to be involved in the Fan Drive? 

There are many excellent opportunities for both individuals and groups of people to participate in the 2008 Summer Fan Drive.  People can collect donations of money and/or fans, pick up and deliver fans, install air conditioner units, or lend administrative support in the FEC office.

11) If someone wants to volunteer for the Fan Drive, whom should they call? 

Krystal Wilson, the 2008 Summer Fan Drive Coordinator, at 459-4FAN.

12) How can I donate to the Summer Fan Drive? 

All checks should be made payable to: Family Eldercare, 2210 Hancock Dr., Austin, TX 78756.  Donations can be made online also by clicking HERE.  (MasterCard, Visa and American Express accepted).  According to IRS regulations, all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

13) How much does it cost FEC to purchase one box fan?  What if someone wants to donate a fan?

FEC purchases its fans in bulk.  A donation of $25 will provide 2 fans for a family or individual in need. The agency will provide a receipt for tax deductions.

14) What and when is KGSR's Fan Fare Friday?

KGSR's Fan Fare Friday is on Friday, June 20^th at Threadgill's World Headquarters, 301 W. Riverside Drive.  Event Sponsor 107.1  KGSR Radio, will broadcast live outside Threadgill's all day, inviting the public to drop off fans or funds for the fan drive.  Fan Fare Friday includes music (a new band plays every hour) along with door prize registration, T-shirts, CD's, etc.