The “Beat the Heat” summer fan program sponsored by the Gainesville-Hall County Senior Life Center officially begins Friday.

Senior citizens who are age 60 or older and a Hall County resident are eligible to benefit from the program, though seniors are limited to one fan every other year. Those who need a fan should call the Gainesville-Hall County Community Service Center at 770-503-3330.

The Senior Life Center is also seeking donations of new fans for the program. Last year the center distributed more than 100 fans to elderly residents.

“We are appealing to the community once again to support this program, which provides older adults with a way to stay cool during the upcoming hot summer months,” said Brandy Palmero, manager of the Senior Life Center in a press release. “Without proper cooling, seniors can become dehydrated and develop heat-related illnesses. A medical emergency can develop very quickly.”

For more information on how to make donations, call Palmero at 770-503-3353.