The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is asking all Greater Cincinnati residents to donate a fan, new window air conditioner or provide a monetary donation now through August 13 to help local families in need have proper cooling and ventilation this summer.

St. Vincent de Paul in cooperation with WCPO-TV Channel 9, Coney Island, Huntington Bank, Papa John's Pizza and Cincinnati Firefighters Union Local 48, hopes to collect 500 fans and 100 air conditioners this year to distribute to the elderly, sick and families with very young children who live in homes without air conditioning.

Monetary donations will be accepted at all Huntington Bank branch locations throughout Greater Cincinnati from June 14 through August 13, 2010. Only on June 16 Coney Island will offer a free pool and ride pass valued at $21.95 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 June 16 only. Coney's participation as a drop off site for the Fan Drive will continue through August 13, 2010. Anyone donating a new fan at Coney Island between June 14 and August 13 will receive a free all-day rides wristband, valued at $11.95.

"During visits to the homes of needy families, St. Vincent de Paul volunteers discover elderly people sweltering in apartments with no air conditioning, but afraid to open the windows. We find people suffering with illness or families with newborn babies who have no relief from the heat. Cincinnati's summers can make every day difficult for those without proper ventilation, particularly the elder, ill and very young," noted Liz Carter, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul.

The donated fans and air conditioners will be distributed through St. Vincent de Paul's neighborhood volunteer groups, the West End headquarters and other outlets throughout the summer.

Fans and air conditioners may also be dropped off now through August 13, 2010 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, or visit www.SVDPcincinnati.org. For SVDP thrift store locations in Northern Kentucky, contact the District Council of Covington at 859-341- 3212.