10 years of fresh starts

For those struggling to cover the basics, something as simple as clean clothes can make a big difference.

After helping local residents wash more than 41,000 loads of clothes and bedding, the Laundry Project is celebrating its 10th anniversary this week. 

While marking that milestone, organizers also hope to collect more donations, which would allow participants of all ages to wash more loads.

Wayne Township Trustee’s Office began the project in 2014, especially hoping to remove a hurdle for kids to succeed in school. Those who work with youth had noticed some were showing up in dirty clothes.

In recent months, two laundry days are offered per month, thanks to contributions of money and volunteers from Holland Colours, First English Lutheran Church and First Friends Meeting. 

About 100 loads of laundry are washed and dried at each session, saving clients $4 per load.

In previous years, when the project spent about $700 per event, participants were able to bring more loads. To stretch funding, clients are now limited to one regular load per household member per event. Families of five or more may bring a maximum of five loads. Proof of all family members and address must be provided. 

Fortunately, Reid Health’s summer gift of $1,500 means the Laundry Project can offer three events instead of two in June, July and August. More frequent washing is especially helpful during summer’s heat when clothes get sweatier.  

On Thursday, July 18, First English Lutheran provided five volunteers to help coordinator Michael Duke put quarters in machines at Coin A Matic, 400 S. Fifth St. Church members help twice a month and sponsor one program. 

Clientele varies each session. Some pause visits when their finances are better, and for others, it’s too far to go to the other laundromat if they have to walk. 

As retiree Wendy Sloan began wheeling her small cart of laundry to her home about three blocks away, she said the service is very helpful and well organized, and she called Duke “a great guy.”

“Sometimes I need it and sometimes I don’t,” Sloan said of the assistance, noting “outrageous” food prices.

Duke said free laundry is even more important when prices have increased for food and other needs, and rent is especially high for low-income residents. 

The service also helps young families. Creeonia Jennings’ laundry included clothes for her new son Ja’mii, a day short of 1 month. She also was accompanied by son Zayden, nearly 13, and daughter Jah’rihanna, nearly 10. 

“This is awesome,” said Jennings, a St. Louis native. “I don’t know any other place that does this. It’s amazing.”

Jennings said everyone is respectful and nice, and saving money on laundry as often as she can attend “helps a lot.” 

Shirley Cheek of Richmond has volunteered monthly for about three years through First English and said it feels good to help neighbors get their laundry done. She feels fortunate to have a washer and dryer at home and recalls washing clothes in a bathtub with a washboard when her military family was stationed in Germany. 

“Everyone seems to be so appreciative,” Cheek said, noting she’s developed a rapport with some repeat clients.

Anne Hutchison of Richmond started volunteering through First English in the winter of 2022. She works from home and signs up when she can fit a shift into her schedule. She’s also brought her 14-year-old brother, Christian Monger, to help a few times, and said volunteering with the Laundry Project is a good way to build his life skills and help him realize the importance of giving back.

“I think it’s easy for us to take for granted that we have clean clothes,” Hutchison said. “It’s rewarding that little tasks can be taken off their shoulders. It’s a really nice feeling.” 

Duke said he’s surprised the program has lasted 10 years and said the community’s generosity has made it possible. 

The trustee’s office has “never bought a single jug of detergent or dryer sheets in 10 years,” Duke said, and those supplies are still stocked.