By BRAD GASKINS / Staff Writer

CALERA – M4A is accepting donations to help seniors in its five-county service area stay cool and fed for rest of the summer.

Food and fans are needed, said Debbie Battles, director of operations and programs for the Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging.

M4A has about 20 fans left to distribute. More are needed.

“If we can get some more in, we certainly have more than enough people to give them to,” Battles said.

Donated box fans are preferred and should be new with controls on top.

“We don’t won’t used fans that can cause problems,” Battles said.

Food donations are also needed. There are 400 people on a waiting list for food, Battles said.

Seniors, especially those with chronic illnesses, should stay hydrated, eat nutritious meals and stay out of the heat. Being outside for any length of time can lead to dizziness, falls and fractures, Battles said. Seniors who live alone should have somebody call to check on them each day.

M4A serves seniors in Shelby, Blount, Chilton, St. Clair and Walker counties.