Mississippi Power Coast Customer Value Committee organizes fan drive

Mississippi Power recently set a goal to collect 20 fans to donate to elderly or disabled coast residents who cannot afford to run their air conditioning or who do not have air conditioning.

The fan drive surpassed that goal as they collected 26 fans, all donated by employees. Five of the fans went to specific customers who were in need.

“I am extremely impressed with the effort to give back to our community,” said Belinda Ford, Mississippi Power customer service and support supervisor. “This project was a perfect way to demonstrate the passion we have for serving our customers, and once again, our employees have shown a high level of customer service and heart felt kindness.”

Residential Market Specialist Jamie Daniels and Customer Serviceman Beau Espey recently delivered the fans to customers.

“As we were leaving one couple’s home, where the wife is on oxygen and the husband is elderly, I heard her say to her husband, ‘God is good. He knew we were in need and he provided through Mississippi Power,’” said Daniels. “At another home we visited, there is a gentleman who lives by himself, and he doesn’t have any family in the area. His air conditioning did not work and it was hotter in the house than it was outside. He will now be more comfortable as he sits in his chair with the fan blowing a nice cool breeze.”

The other 21 fans were taken to the Harrison County Senior Center.

“Mrs. Green, the employee over the senior program, was just beside herself when we walked in with the fans,” Espey said. “She knew of 10 people off the top of her head who were in desperate need of a fan. The case workers delivered them that night because of the heatwave we were expecting.”

A bus is used to pick up elderly and disabled county residents who have no air conditioning and bring them to the center. However, they may only stay there from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

“It’s still so hot at 5 p.m., but now they’ll have a fan to put by their bed when they’re home at night,” Daniels said. “I want to thank everyone who made a donation and let them know their fan was placed where it was needed. This will truly have an impact on our customers and our community.”