The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have once again exceeded their fundraising goal for KY Gives Day, bringing in more than $12,000 to provide relief from summer heat for vulnerable households in the Nelson County area.
The campaign, centered on the distribution of box fans to those without reliable cooling, met its $10,000 goal on the May 13 online fundraising day and continued to draw support in the days that followed. More than 160 donors contributed, earning the Sisters a prize from the Central Kentucky Community Foundation for the most unique donors during the giving window.
This marks the second year in a row the Sisters have focused their KY Gives Day efforts on a box fan drive. Last summer, the community gathered at the Nazareth Motherhouse Campus near Bardstown, where 500 fans were distributed to residents in need. The 2025 campaign will expand that outreach, providing 600 fans this summer.
Fan Giveaway Scheduled for June 18
The Sisters will host a fan giveaway on Wednesday June 18, starting at 3 p.m., while supplies last. The distribution will take place at the Nazareth Motherhouse in front of Holy Family Circle. Fans will be limited to one per bedroom. Volunteers are needed to assist with prepping and handing out fans and are encouraged to reach out in advance if available to help.
The initiative is a practical response to rising summer temperatures and the growing number of homes without air conditioning. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that box fans use about 90% less energy than central A/C units, making them an economical and accessible cooling solution.
“We feel like this is an important way to help the community,” said Spalding Hurst, Director of Mission Advancement. “It’s easy to work in the air conditioning all day. Drive home in the air conditioning. Then get home to some air conditioning and not really think about what the heat can do to families and the health issues around that. If someone is not in that circumstance, this can really make a difference, and that’s what we’re hoping to do.”
The fan drive demonstrates the Congregation’s commitment to ecological sustainability, community care, and standing with the marginalized—core values that echo Catholic Social Teaching and the Sisters’ ongoing response to both local and global needs.