A local nonprofit is partnering with a local laundromat to ensure families, especially children, are prepared to return to school.
Washing a weekly load of clothing may be routine for many people. However, access to a washer and dryer or regular laundry days can be challenging for many families across Metro Detroit.
“Just because the kids were out during the summer, the money didn’t grow off the trees through the summer,” said Ramana Roberson. “They’re still struggling to make ends meet.”
Roberson is the Executive Director of Child’s Hope, a nonprofit organization focusing on child safety and prevention in Out-Wayne County communities.
Roberson said clean clothing is an issue that is top of mind as families prepare to send their kids back to school, even for those wearing uniforms.
Roberson said,” Mom and dad, they are like, ‘I’m struggling. I just cannot get the laundry.’ Either we eat or we wash these clothes, what do they pick? We’ve got to eat. So, they’ll go to school without the uniform, and then what happens is they get to school, and they’re punished, unfortunately.”
That’s why Child’s Hope is partnering with WaveMax Laundry. They’re hosting a Back-to-School Laundry Day at the WaveMax Laundry location in Southgate on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
On Wednesday, Aug. 21, and Thursday, Aug. 22, the WaveMax Laundry location in Inkster will also host Back-to-School Laundry Day events.
“I was made aware that laundry for kids going back to school with that time of the year coming up, is one of the greatest needs for families,” said Nav Gill, Owner of WaveMax Laundry in Inkster. “Being a laundromat owner, we had to do our part.”
Gill and Roberson said families who register for the Child’s Hope Back-to-School Laundry Day can wash and dry up to four loads of laundry for free. There will be raffles for laundry essentials.
Organizers said free school supplies will also be available for children ages 12 to 17 while supplies last.
“We want them to know that we are trying to help you,” Roberson said. “We get it. We understand the struggle. So, whatever it is that Child’s Hope can do to serve, that’s what we’re here for.”
Click here to register for the Back-to-School Laundry Day.