SAVANNAH — Senior Citizens Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to senior citizens, has reported high demand for free fans to help area seniors who do not have effective cooling in their homes.

Temperatures have hovered in the 90s for the past week, with heat indices above 100, but demand started soon after SCI kicked off the annual campaign last month.

"We continue to be highly concerned about those in our community who are at the highest risk of heat-related illnesses due to the rising temperatures," SCI President Patti Lyons said.

SCI is calling on the community to help older citizens avoid heat-related health risks by donating new box fans. They are accepted at SCI’s headquarters at 3025 Bull St. between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you are unable to donate a fan, cash donations are accepted.

Officials called the demand "overwhelming" in a news release that said more than 200 fans were given to seniors in one recent week.

With such high demand, SCI has amended its criteria for eligibility to ensure that older adults with the highest level of need are served first. The new requirements are:

• must be at least 65

• must have annual income of no more than $12,000 (proof required)

• must apply in person or request an SCI care adviser to visit the home

• must provide a photo ID

For more information, call Kelly Applegate at 912-236-0363 ext. 126 or email KApplegate@seniorcitizens-inc.org.