It’s going to get hot out there this summer. And at America’s Car-Mart, we collect fans! For over 25 years, during May, we have conducted a Community Fan Drive to collect fans to help those in need beat the heat during the hot summer months.
Each of our General Managers, along with their associates, at our 154 America’s Car-Mart locations, select a local charity for distribution of their fans. Many locations will conduct cookouts and drawings, as well as partner with their vendors and suppliers, to support the cause. In early June, our associates deliver the fans to their selected charities.
“Part of our company’s vision is to improve the communities we do business in. So, conducting the fan drive, or toy drive, or giving basketballs to youth organizations, that’s a pretty big deal for our communities. We’re happy to help in any way we can,” says Dishawn Bell, General Manager at Car-Mart of Conway, AR. “At Car-Mart, we give back, and that makes our company special.”
“The fan drive shows we care, and we do. We care that people stay cool,” adds Stacy Barrett, General Manager at Car-Mart of Tullahoma, TN. “I just love it! This fan drive is a true blessing.”
Here’s a snapshot of where some of our fans will be going and why our associates enjoy the fan drive.
Jonesboro, AR. – “There is such a need for fans!”
So says Becca Awai, Sales Manager, Jonesboro, AR. For over 12 years, the Car-Mart of Jonesboro team has donated their fans to the East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging (EAAAA). “We will continue this tradition. They depend on our promotion every year,” Becca says. “There is a large elderly population in northeast Arkansas, most on fixed incomes, who cannot afford to turn on their AC if they even have one.”
“The fan drive is one of my favorite promotions because I know in my heart it is helping someone in need in my area,” adds Becca.
“Helping the community in any way is an awesome gesture. We get an abundance of calls from people in need,” says Cynthia Hall, I & A Outreach Specialist, EAAAA. “For Car-Mart to facilitate this fan drive, it’s perfect to help the elderly through the hot weather and for those who can’t afford air conditioning.”
“The fan recipients are so appreciative and grateful,” Cynthia continues. “We have some very hot summers so, if you have anything that can cool you off in any way, that’s important.”
The mission of the EAAAA is to connect seniors, caregivers, the disabled, and other diverse communities with resources and services in northeast Arkansas.
“It’s a worthy cause, going to people in need,” Becca says. “When the agency comes out, they bring several vehicles to collect the fans. They’re so grateful; they’re in tears; they’re so excited – and so are we!”
“As a company, we are so in tune with our communities, and we want to try to give back as much as possible,” continues Becca. “Sometimes we are actually helping our customers. We give back to the people who give to us.”
Bowling Green, KY. – “We’re thrilled to help the community!”
So says Jesse Robb, General Manager, Bowling Green, KY. “We want to make sure that our community has the resources it needs,” says Jesse. “We are part of the community, and it takes us all. We love helping the community while selling cars.”
Car-Mart of Bowling Green will donate their fans to the Housing Authority of Bowling Green.
“Last year we really had a lot of support from the community and were able to make the fan drive a success and deliver more fans to the Housing Authority than they expected,” Jesse says. “They are a valued partner of ours, and we are happy to do our part.”
Conway, AR. – “I’m big on helping the elderly and the youth!”
So says Dishawn Bell, General Manager, Conway, AR. “Simply put, our fan drive helps the community, especially the elderly,” he says. “I want to help take care of them.”
Dishawn, who recently became the general manager in Conway, led a successful fan drive at his previous location in Pine Bluff, AR. “A few years ago, we had so many fans, over 200. It was crazy,” recalls Dishawn. “My conference room was full of fans. That gave us an opportunity to give fans to the Area Agency on Aging, as well as a few nursing homes and low-income apartment complexes.”
“To see their facial expressions that this used car dealership helps is priceless. To go to these places where we’ve never before and distribute fans to the elderly, that’s pretty special,” continues Dishawn.
This year, Car-Mart of Conway donated their fans to Bethlehem House.
Read our blog about the importance of fans – plus 5 tips for getting the most out of your box fan.
Want to make a difference in your community? Drop off a Box Fan at America’s Car-Mart
Drop off a box fan at any America’s Car-Mart location and we’ll take it from there. In June, our associates will deliver the fans to local charities in our 12-state area.
