INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — As a heat wave threatens to envelop central Indiana, a local hardware store and the Salvation Army have teamed up to deliver box fans for residents who may not have access to air conditioning.

In recent weeks, Great Lakes Ace Hardware invited its customers to round up their purchases to the nearest even dollar amount. The spare change was used to purchase box fans for the needy.

Ruth Napier, the store’s assistant manager, says the spare change has added up. “(We’ve raised) $4,300 worth of spare change, which made us able to purchase 222 fans.”

The Salvation Army has since picked the fans up from the store, and is in the process of distributing them to people without air conditioning or with limited means to stay cool. With high temperatures expected in the coming days, the gesture could save lives.

“With this hot weather coming around, where they don’t have air conditioning, they’re capable of at least having fans to keep their cool,” Napier said. “They’re box fans, and they’re capable of being put in windows if need be. If you’re an elderly person or you can’t get around, you need that fan to count on to keep you cool.”

Nationwide, similar efforts from other Ace stores and Salvation Army chapters have collected $1.2 million and provided more than 75,000 fans to those in need over the last 13 years.

“We appreciate our customers, and we hope the people enjoy their fans,” Napier said.

 Anyone in need of a box fan to stay cool can contact their local Salvation Army.

There are several cooling centers open in the Indianapolis area this week. Visit Indiana 211 for more information.