Saturday, United Way of Central Kansas will again hold “Laundry Love,” inviting families to bring their dirty clothes to Discount Laundry at 924 Jefferson St., where they can wash up to five loads free of charge. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 19 with the last loads going in at 1:30 p.m.

There will be free soap, fabric softener and drier sheets, as well as change for the washers and dryers. Volunteers will be on hand to assist.

“The mission of Laundry Love is to wash clothes and bedding for low- or no-income families and individuals,” said Charell Owings, UWCK executive director. “Laundry Love exists to help prevent physical and emotional strain that poor health and hygiene places on the under-resourced in our community.”

Organizers said there are many reasons why they feel this program will have a positive impact:

• Unwashed clothes and bedding can threaten the health of children, elderly, immuno-compromised, or those without financial access to health care. 

• Kids are notorious for teasing – and one of the reasons they will tease is if another student is wearing dirty clothes. 

• There is an economic burden for someone who doesn’t have a washer/dryer hookup at home or simply can’t afford to purchase a set. By bringing this economic relief to individuals and families, that money can be redirected to food, gas, and medical expenses. 

Funds for this month’s event are provided Stueder Contractors of Great Bend. 

United Way of Central Kansas brought this program to Great Bend in August and so far has helped more than 50 families and provided nearly 240 loads of laundry.

Each Laundry Love event will be on the third Saturday of the month. Any business interested in sponsoring a month or donating supplies is asked to contact United Way of Central Kansas. Volunteers can sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050d4da5af2ea6f58-laundry.

To learn more about the program visit www.laundrylove.org or contact United Way of Central Kansas at 620-792-2403.