In partnership with Vistra, Schuylkill Community Action will be giving away free fans to residents as part of their inaugural "Beat the Heat" event. This generous initiative is being held at the Billie Payne Community Center, located at 400 North 7th Street in Pottsville, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Vistra has donated $7,500 to fund the purchase of these box fans, which will be distributed alongside food boxes. This drive-through and walk-up event is expected to serve about 300 households from Pottsville, Mount Carbon, Palo Alto, Norwegian and East Norwegian townships, Port Carbon, and Mechanicsville.
With Pennsylvania experiencing another summer heat wave, Kim Campbell, senior manager of Customer Advocacy Services for Vistra, emphasized the importance of this event, stating, "With temperatures rising, heat is top of mind for many Pennsylvanians, whether that’s stressing over how to pay summer electricity bills, wondering about safe and cost-effective ways to conserve energy, or finding ways to keep cool at home. We’re here to help."
Dave Young, executive director of Schuylkill Community Action, expressed his gratitude, saying, "We are so appreciative of partners like Vistra that help us meet community needs. We want to do all we can to bring relief to our residents, and this program couldn’t come at a better time."
Schuylkill Community Action is an organization that assists low-income residents in the county. Beyond food distribution, they offer utility assistance and weatherization services to help residents manage their energy needs.
Since 2019, Vistra has donated over half a million dollars in Pennsylvania, supporting local initiatives like food pantries, schools, fire departments, and more. They're not just about providing energy; they're committed to making a difference in the community.