United Way of Central Kansas is making laundry fun and festive.

In conjunction with its monthly Laundry Love program, which provides free laundry for individuals and families, UWCK will also host pictures with Santa from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, at Discount Laundry.

This month’s event is sponsored by Barton County COPE (Communities Organizing to Promote Equity). There will be cookies, candy canes and hot chocolate alongside pictures with Santa. Any person can walk in and have up to five loads of laundry done for free.

To date, 76 families have been assisted and 332 loads of laundry have been washed thanks to this program’s generous sponsors and partners across the community.

In addition, there will be a chance to win a Christmas Eve Package valued at $200. Any person who donates laundry supplies, hygiene supplies, or winter wear will be entered to win. Supplies will be distributed to United Way’s 22 Community Partners. Donations can be dropped off in advance at the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce or picked up by UWCK. The winner will be drawn at the event on Dec. 17. 

“This is a fun way to make a mundane task like laundry a little less boring,” said Charell Owings, UWCK Executive Director. “We are grateful for our partnership with COPE and all that they are doing in our community and we can’t wait to see if Santa has any laundry that he needs done as well.”