AIKEN — People in need are getting free portable generators because of a $22,500 grant received by the Rotary Club of Aiken from the Rotary International Zones 33/34 Disaster Recovery Fund.

In addition, the Rotary Club of Aiken donated $2,000 to the cause and the United Way of Aiken County contributed $1,500.

With the $26,000 total, the Rotary Club of Aiken purchased 38 Westinghouse generators, 38 heavy-duty 50-foot extension cords and 76 cans of fuel, according to the organization’s treasurer, Tim Newman.

The fuel is “a special mixture specific to generators,” he said. “It keeps for a long time.”

In addition to the United Way, Rotary Club of Aiken-Sunrise, Jackson Electrical Services and Lowe’s Home Improvement of Aiken are the Rotary Club of Aiken’s partners for the effort.

Twenty-five Tri-Development Center of Aiken County clients, five Aiken Senior Life Services clients and five Project Vision clients are among the recipients of the generators.

Five people on a list compiled by the Rotary Club of Aiken-Sunrise also are getting generators.

In general, the beneficiaries are disabled and/or suffer from medical conditions that put them in danger when power is lost.

Especially vulnerable are people who need supplemental oxygen and diabetics who require insulin, which should be stored in a refrigerator to maintain its potency.

During a meeting held Oct. 28 at the United Way’s Sharon L. Rodgers Community Resource Center, Rotary Club of Aiken President Keyatta Priester discussed the delivery process for the generators.

Ryan Jackson of Jackson Electrical Services conducted a training session that provided instructions for setting up the generators when they are delivered to homes.

Rotary District 7750 Governor Dave Brenner spoke during the gathering.

Thirty-one districts in this country’s Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions, along with the Caribbean region, are in Rotary International Zones 33/34.