A new Lee’s Air, Plumbing & Heating ice cream truck will distribute free treats at Fresno-area neighborhoods, schools, workplaces and community events throughout the summer. The company says no purchase is required. (Courtesy of Lee’s Air)
Lee’s Air, Plumbing & Heating’s community ice cream truck is nearing a milestone of 10,000 free ice creams distributed after making 101 stops across the Central Valley in July.
The Fresno-based home services company launched the branded ice cream truck earlier this summer as a community outreach initiative, providing free ice cream at schools, churches, nonprofits, businesses and neighborhood events.
In July, the truck served about 9,500 people across Fresno, Sanger, Clovis and other nearby communities. Stops included 25 schools and summer camps, 18 employee appreciation events, 14 nonprofits, seven sports and recreation events and 10 birthday parties.
Some of the largest events were the Xavier Worthy Dream B1G Football Camp, which drew more than 575 attendees, Fresno Mission and Camp Jeevan, a Sikh summer camp serving about 200 participants.
The program is funded by Lee’s Air and is offered without sponsorships, fees or sales presentations. According to the company, demand has exceeded expectations, which led it to expand the truck’s schedule as requests continue from schools, churches, nonprofits and neighborhood groups.
“We’re in the business of keeping people comfortable — and sometimes that means showing up with a truck full of Drumsticks instead of a truck full of ductwork,” Chief Operating Officer Derek Franks said in a statement.
Community members can request a visit through the company’s website. While all requests are open to the public, Lee’s Air said schools, nonprofits, churches and youth sports organizations receive priority consideration.
The company expects to pass the 10,000 ice cream mark later this month.