By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
There's nothing like the feel and scent of clean laundry.
But not everyone has access to a washer and dryer or is able to afford regular trips to the laundromat.
Laundry Love, a national program that offers free clothes washing for low-income persons, will begin operating in Ellis County next month through a partnership between First Call for Help and the main Hays branch of Sunflower Bank, 1010 E. 27th.
"Sunflower Bank contacted us and will be the sponsor for the rest of 2024," said Macey Pfeifer, executive director of First Call for Help. "They're making the donations and starting up the project for us.
"We have had something similar going on in the past in Hays, but not specifically this program.
"We're going to be able to serve up to 30 Ellis County families per month who can wash and dry five loads of laundry for free at the 27th and Hall Street Laundromat," Pfeifer said.
That's $400 in quarters Pfeifer will offer to clients on a first-come, first-served basis at 507 W. 27th St.
"Hopefully, we're able to help some people out and get their clothes cleaned," Pfeifer said.
The Laundry Love program also provides free Earth Breeze laundry soap sheets. Liquid detergent will be available for those who prefer it.
The laundry session will be 4-7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month beginning June 20.
Those who choose so could also attend the nearby Feeding Hays Thursday night free spaghetti dinners, which are served at 6:30 p.m. by St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 2900 Canal Blvd.
"Even for people without vehicles, it's a pretty short walk over to St. Michael's, and they can get a meal for themselves and their families," Pfeifer said.
Proof of income is not required for either program.
Information about Laundry Love is available on the First Call for Help Facebook page and will be shared with agencies such as Options and the Catholic Charities Hays Support Center.
Along with financial assistance, donations of liquid detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets are being accepted at First Call for Help.
Sunflower Bank will continue helping with the program in 2025 as more sponsors are sought.