Rotary grant brings free smoke protection kits to Central Oregon

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon residents affected by wildfire smoke will soon have access to free box fan air purifier kits and N95 masks through a grant from Rotary International District 5110’s Disaster Response Fund.

A total of 600 box fan air purifier kits and 200 N95 masks will be available beginning Aug. 15 for people adversely affected by wildfire smoke. The supplies are funded through a $21,120 grant and will serve communities in Prineville, Madras, Warm Springs, Sisters and Black Butte.

Local Rotary clubs will assemble and distribute the supplies in their communities. Cindi O’Neil, a Bend Rotarian and former district governor who submitted the grant request, said Rotary clubs are prepared to help meet both immediate and long-term needs when disasters affect Central Oregon communities.

In Prineville and Crook County, box fan kits will be distributed through the county health department, ODHS, Mosaic, the senior center, Neighborhood Impact, Mitchell Wheeler County Trading Company and the Post General Store.

The Rotary Club of Crook County partnered with Les Schwab of Prineville to deliver box fans to central distribution points. The Red Cross also helped identify outlying residents dealing with wildfire smoke in their homes, according to Sara Beeler, president of the Rotary Club of Crook County.

For Sisters and Black Butte residents, free box fan kits will be available at the Sisters Parks and Recreation Department, 611 E. Cascade Ave., beginning Aug. 17.