Selma, just like any other city south of the Mason Dixon line, is no stranger to the summer heat. And with that summer heat, comes the need to cool off. Thanks to members of the Selma/Dallas County Youth Ambassadors, local elderly residents will not have to worry about over-heating this summer.

The ambassadors are currently accepting donations of box fans to give to the elderly. The program is meant to offer ways for Selma’s older residents to cool off without turning on their air conditioning units.

Although businesses and other area organizations have occasionally donated money to the program, most of the donations have come from residents during the program’s seven-year history.

So, we’re asking you — the residents — to take initiative and donate to this worthy outreach program. We all know how the sweltering heat seems to coat the Black Belt during the summer months, and it’s up to us to make sure that our elderly residents are not negatively impacted by the sun’s rays. In past years, more than 80 fans have been donated for the cause. We hope that number grows this summer.

To donate a fan, call the city council office at 874-1234 or council member Bennie Ruth Crenshaw at 349-2006.