Hartman Family Foundation makes charitable contribution for Project Cool

Steve Saldaña, president and CEO, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, speaks at a July 15 press conference announcing a major contribution to Project Cool from the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation of 500 box fans. Jordan McMorrough | Today's Catholic

SAN ANTONIO • In response to the growing critical need for new supplies of box fans to aid vulnerable seniors during extremely hot summer weather, the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation donated 500 box fans to benefit the Project Cool donation/distribution drive.

The presentation was made at a July 15 press conference at the Sacred Heart Church Senior Nutrition Center.

Speaking at the event were Gordon V. Hartman, founder of the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, Steve Saldaña, president and CEO, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio and Cindy Schoenmakers, assistant director of the Department of Community Initiatives for the City of San Antonio.

The city encourages businesses and groups across the community to conduct box fan drives for donation throughout the summer to help replenish the stock of fans which are collected and distributed each day to seniors in need. Residents wishing to donate a fan can call the United Way at 2-1-1 to locate a nearby fire station accepting donations. Seniors in need can call 2-1-1 to request a fan by telephone. Seniors must be 60 years of age or older and show need in order to qualify for a box fan.

Since its inception, Project Cool has collected and distributed more than 52,000 box fans to seniors in the community. Last year, over 7,200 area seniors received a fan.