A group of young people are working this summer to help elderly citizens keep cool in July’s heat.

The Be A Fan of the Elderly Project is sponsored by the Selma-Dallas Youth Ambassadors. For about nine years, the program has made it a mission to collect and distribute fans to those in need. Its motto is: “One fan can save the life of one person.”

“Many of the elderly people, if they have air conditioning, will not use it because of the cost of electricity. So they will use a fan instead,” said Selma City Councilwoman Bennie Ruth Crenshaw, who works with the group. “This summer is hotter than usual, and the need for fans is great.”

Last year, the movement collected about 75 fans.

“Because it’s so hot, we gave out about 50 earlier this summer,” Crenshaw said. “With the temperature being so high, we’re asking people to donate fans.”

Crenshaw also wants people to check on elderly neighbors during the hot weather.

“The whole idea of our program as youth ambassadors is to be able to be givers, and not takers,” she said. “We want to be able to give back to the community. That’s really what the children are all about. They have done that through many things.”

To donate fans or money, call the city council office at 874-1234.