TYLER, Texas — The summer temperatures have arrived early this year, spiking in the triple digits this past weekend.
East Texans are already beginning to feel the sweltering heat and the effects it’s causing to their electricity.
Jaqueline Flores, who’s raising two boys, says she doesn't stay home too often due to higher temperatures affecting her home.
“I noticed how it started getting hot, the lights started flickering and I was okay. At first I thought it was my vision but no it wasn’t my vision it was the temperature, it was getting too hot,” said Jaqueline Flores, Tyler Resident.
Local non-profits like PATH (People Attempting to Help) have partnered with Maddox Air Conditioning and Home Depot to help those in need with their annual fan distribution.
“Every year Path asks the community to help us meet the needs for families that don’t have heating or cooling in their house,” Andrea Wilson said. “These box fans that we ask folks to donate are really life saving to the families who come to Path in need.”
Wilson also adds that the box fans will help people spend less money on their electrical bills and save more money in their pockets.
“We’ve seen a lot of folks come in with really high electric bills so a box fan can go a long way,” Wilson said. “It allows people to turn that thermostat up on their A/C to be able to move the air within their house and stay cool.”
Other summer programs organizations like the Free Summer Playground Program are taking extra heat safety measures to keep kids safe.
“We’ve been doing shade games to keep them out of the sun, activities like swings and slides is just too hot for them,” said Dianne Elliott, Emmett J. Scott Park Leader. “The main focus that we like to do is drink plenty of water and keep the kids occupied so they don’t get bored plus keeping them out of the heat.”
Despite the high temperatures, it isn’t stopping people from using this time as an opportunity to lend a helping hand.
“I think by doing this it not only allows us to take care of physical needs but spiritual needs as well, so yes I feel blessed,” said Lexi Marshall, Path Volunteer.
PATH will be distributing fans Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on 402 W Front St, Tyler. The non-profit is still accepting fan donations.
To donate stop by Home Depot and purchase a fan that will be priced at $22 for customers who donate to PATH. Donations can also be made online at pathhelps.org link: https://www.pathhelps.org/
To learn more about The Free Summer Playground Program click here.