Wash Assist program this weekend

Families in the Red Oak Area are encouraged to take part in a special pilot project this weekend.

From 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 3, a special “Wash Assist” program is taking place at the Red Oak Washboard Laundromat at 400 E. Washington Ave.

The program is a joint effort among the Red Oak High School, the Red Oak Washboard Laundromat, the Montgomery County Family YMCA, and Montgomery County Extension. YMCA director John Blomstedt said the program will give participants the opportunity to launder clothing for free.

“We’re hoping we can help high school students, if they don’t know yet how to do laundry, how to use a washing machine, and detergent, and things like that. The detergent and dryer sheets and the money to do the laundry is being provided. It will also help those in town who are struggling with making ends meet a chance to save some hard earned money and get their laundry taken care of at no cost,” Blomstedt said.

Blomstedt said the idea started with his wife Deb.

“They did a survey with the students on what they thought would help improve the atmosphere at the school, and it was brought up that helping kids get clothes done would be a good idea. The extension office has helped us with the detergent, and we will hopefully be sending families home with leftover detergent they can use at home,” commented Blomstedt.

According to Blomstedt, hopes are to hold similar projects in the future.

“Deb and superintendent Tom Messinger decided to focus on the high school building first, then worth their way to other parts of the community and other schools. We haven’t set any timeline up yet. We’re hoping this pilot program gets off to a good start,” said Blomstedt.

Blomstedt added he’s excited to be a part of the program, and while initial plans were to offer services at the YMCA, Red Oak Washboard Laundromat owner Chris Dovel was brought in to expand.

“We talked with Chris, and he was supportive of the program, and offered up his location for us to assist more families than we could at the YMCA,” Blomsted stated.

Anyone with questions can contact Deb Blomstedt at 623-6610, Ext. 5303.  

The Red Oak Express

2012 Commerce Drive
P.O. Box 377
Red Oak, IA 51566
Phone: 712-623-2566 Fax: 712-623-2568

Comment Here