Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott addresses attendees
By W. Thomas Smith Jr.
The Central Carolina Realtors Association (CCRA) presented more than 200 box fans to the Richland County Sheriff’s Dept. (RCSD), the Lexington County Sheriff’s Dept., and the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office during the CCRA’s quarterly luncheon at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Thurs. June 3. Purchased by CCRA member-realtors, the fans will be distributed to those in need across central S.C., primarily low-income elderly citizens and those with physical disabilities.
“This is part of our ongoing community outreach,” says CCRA Pres. Steve Taylor. “These box fans generated by our annual fan drive will help provide some level of comfort to those in need and perhaps those in crisis.”
In addition to the 209 fans delivered during the luncheon, monetary donations for additional fans and a yet-undetermined number of small window-unit air conditioners will be delivered by the CCRA to the three law-enforcement agencies over the coming weeks.
“These fans and the money to purchase additional fans are critical especially during these stifling hot S.C. summers,” said Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, whose RCSD received 100 fans for distribution. “A fan is often the only source of physical comfort many of our elderly will have.”
RCSD has been receiving an average of 150-200 fans from CCRA each year for nearly 20 years. The fans are received by the department’s Project H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Precious Elderly) and then personally delivered to homes throughout the Midlands.
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Dept. has been a recipient agency for about the same period of time as RCSD, and the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office has received fan donations for approximately five years.
“These fans will be putting a smile on a senior’s face,” said Lott, addressing the gathering of several hundred CCRA members and guests. “So from the bottom of our hearts and from the seniors you do not know, thank you!”
Lott was also recognized by the CCRA for his being named National Sheriff of the Year 2021 by the National Sheriff’s Association (NSA). The NSA will formally present his award at their annual conference later this month.
The fan drive is not CCRA’s only annual community service project. CCRA hosts an annual golf tournament to raise money for academic scholarships as well as a blanket drive for The Cooperative Ministry among other projects.
[Pictured L-R are CCRA Pres. Steve Taylor, Sheriff Leon Lott, CCRA co-executive officer Kim Fuller, and CCRA co-executive officer Taylor Oxendine]
– For more information about CCRA, please visit centralcarolinarealtors.com/.