ARCHDIOCESE - The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP), in cooperation with WCPO-TV Channel 9, Coney Island, Huntington Bank and Cincinnati Firefighters Union Local 48, is asking Greater Cincinnati residents to help local families in need by donating a fan, new window air conditioner or monetary donation to support the annual fan drive. The goal for this year's fan drive is to collect 500 fans and 75 air conditioners to help provide proper cooling and ventilation to those in need in the heat of the summer months. Monetary donations will be accepted at Coney Island on June 15 only and at all Huntington Bank branch locations throughout the drive from June 15 through August 12, 2007. Huntington will kick-off the fund-raising effort by making a $2,000 financial contribution.

Only on June 15, Coney Island will offer a free pool and ride pass valued at $19.50 in exchange for the donation of a new fan or air conditioner brought to the Sunlite Pool admission gate, or for a minimum cash donation of $15. Monetary donations will be accepted at Coney Island on Friday, June 15 only. Coney's participation as a drop off site for the Fan Drive will continue through Aug. 12. Anyone donating a new fan at Coney Island between June 16 and Aug.12, will receive a free all-day rides wristband, valued at $9.95.

"Cincinnati's hot, humid summer days can take a toll on those in need, especially the elderly, the very young and people with health problems," said Liz Carter, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul. "The support we receive from the community and our partners makes this one of our most successful drives," she added.

The donated fans and air conditioners will be distributed through St. Vincent de Paul's neighborhood parish organizations, the West End headquarters and other outlets. As a result of the 2006 fan drive, St. Vincent de Paul distributed nearly 563 fans and new air conditioners to our neighbors in need.

Fans and air conditioners may also be dropped off now through August 12 at any of the six St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores in Hamilton County and five thrift stores in Northern Kentucky. For SVDP thrift store locations in Hamilton County, more information about the SVDP Fan Drive, or other ways to donate, contact St. Vincent de Paul at 513-562-8841, ext. 225. For SVDP thrift store locations in Northern Kentucky, contact the District Council of Covington at 859-341-3212.