WECT’s (Channel 6 Wilmington) Frances Weller started Fran’s Fans over 20 years ago. Her program collects fans from the community and delivers them to senior centers in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, and Pender counties. From there, the fans are distributed to senior citizens to help keep them cool during the summer months.
Lowe’s Home Improvement stores in these counties have turned Fran’s collection drive into a competition to see which store sells the most fans. The winner is awarded Fran’s coveted Golden Fan. In 2023, the Lowe’s store in Southport won with a collection of over 700 fans.
Lowes Home Improvement in Leland has been an ardent supporter of the John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68 since its Grand Opening in September 2023. To express its gratitude for Lowes’ leading support of veterans in our community, Post 68 donated $500 towards the purchase of fans.
Community members are encouraged to buy a fan at the Leland location on Thursday, June 27th, which is when WECT will be on site to collect the fans. The address is 3716 Gateway Boulevard in the Leland Town Center. Come and support your local Lowes Home Improvement Store and help them win the competition!
Photo Caption:
L-R Alan Simmons, Past Commander; Joe Frost, Finance Officer; Nathan Ferguson, Manager; Jim Zelenski, Logistics Officer; Bea Frost, Commander; and Evan Jones, 2nd Vice Commander