With Memorial Day straight ahead, America’s Car-Mart is getting set for its annual Community Fan Drive, which is a philanthropy effort orchestrated by the buy-here, pay-here dealership chain for more than 25 years.

The program encourages customers to go to any Car-Mart dealership and donate a new 20-inch box fan. In return, customers can receive a reduced down payment — as low as $499 on select vehicles.

“Philanthropy isn’t just a checkbox for us — it’s a fundamental part of our culture and values at Car-Mart,” chief operating officer Jamie Fischer said in a message to Cherokee Media Group. “With over 150 dealerships across 12 states, we understand the impact we can make when we leverage our resources to give back.

“The Community Fan Drive is a shining example of how a simple act of generosity can ripple throughout our communities,” Fischer continued. “It not only helps those in need stay cool during the hot summer months but also fosters a deeper connection between our customers, associates, and the neighborhoods we serve. It’s not just good business; it’s the right thing to do.

“And it’s initiatives like these that set Car-Mart apart as a community-first brand committed to making a positive difference,” Fischer went on to say.

As Fischer referenced, the project helps Car-Mart accomplish two objectives:

  1. Helps credit-challenged customers afford a reliable vehicle.
  2. Provides life-saving relief to families who lack air conditioning during the hottest months of the year.

Fischer shared some of the most memorable anecdotes and stories Car-Mart has heard over the years about the benefits of what might seem as simple as a fan has brought to people.

“An important part of Car-Mart’s vision is to improve the communities we serve, and our Community Fan Drive beginning on Memorial Day is a powerful example of that,” Fischer said. “Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how something as simple as a new, box fan can make a profound impact.

“One particularly moving experience involved a recent fan drive promotion in Milledgeville, Ga., where our team delivered fans to veterans at the Georgia War Veterans Home. The stories our Milledgeville associates heard from those veterans and the gratitude expressed by the nursing staff were unforgettable,” Fisher continued.

“For those who lack sufficient cooling during the summer months, a fan can be a lifeline — providing comfort, safety, and a sense of relief. It’s moments like these that remind us why initiatives like the fan drive are so important to the fulfillment of our company’s mission, vision and values,” Fischer went on to say.

And with Edmunds reporting that the average retail price for a 3-year-old used car surpassed $30,000 for first time since 2023 during the first quarter, having a path to another vehicle that could be roughly $500 might be quite welcomed by some consumers.

“In today’s economic climate, many of our customers are facing financial challenges, making it harder than ever to secure reliable transportation,” Fischer said. “We constantly focus our efforts on making vehicle ownership more attainable. Our Community Fan Drive does just that.

“The promotion offers $499 down for qualified buyers with the donation of a fan. This enables us to contribute to our communities and continue to create affordable transportation options to our customers at the same time,” Fischer added.