According to an announcement from Mayor Malik, the City of Akron is giving its residents another opportunity to clean their laundry at no cost. A free washing and drying event, dubbed Tumble Together, will be set up at the West Side Laundromat on March 5. Between 3 pm and 7 pm, those living within city limits can wash up to three loads of laundry without reaching into their wallets.
Last year, the program successfully assisted 97 families with more than 300 loads. The initiative is backed by grant funding from ServeOhio and the city itself. The Summit County Continuum of Care has been instrumental in its previous iterations, helping to manage and promote these altruistic gatherings.
"I believe everyone deserves the dignity of clean clothing," Mayor Malik stated through the City of Akron website, recognizing the importance and sometimes the financial burden of laundry. "The feedback from these events last year was so positive and expressed a continued need for free washing and drying events to help those without access to a washer or dryer in their home. When times are hard, clean laundry can sometimes become a luxury and we’re proud to step in to help provide this small dignity to folks in need," he continued.
Apart from the main service, the event complements washing and drying with free detergent, dryer sheets, and even meals. City representatives and volunteers will be there, but attendees will be doing their washing, "residents will be required to wash their own clothes for free."
For those looking to lend a hand or donate to support the cause, the City of Akron encourages you to get in touch with Summer Hall via email at [email protected]. Both actions can go a long way in sustaining these important events.
