In this brief video, the President/CEO of the Coin Laundry Association Brian Wallace provides an update regarding the 501(c)3 charity of the CLA, the LaundryCares Foundation.
Family Read, Play & Learn Spaces
Family Read, Play & Learn Spaces have been on hold throughout much of the pandemic. However, as openings occur, participating locations are allowing access to learning areas for youth under careful protocols for cleanliness and safety. Kids may be losing as much as a year of learning due to the pandemic, and children in underserved areas may suffer a further slide in learning. Laundromats with Family Read, Play & Learn Spaces can provide supplemental learning opportunities meeting families where they are as families do their regular wash to provide access to books and resources. The long dwell times and recurring visits of families to the local laundry can help to foster more help for families.
LaundryCares Network
We continue to expand our network with corporate donors, literacy experts, and the laundry-owner community. The amount of partnerships with library systems and other partnerships has grown tremendously. We also continue to add store locations across the nation to our map directory. Join the LaundryCares Network today.
LaundryCares Literacy Summit
There will be a fourth instance of our annual LaundryCares Literacy Summit in September 2021. Last year, we held a virtual event attracting hundreds of literacy professionals, influential scholars and experts, laundromat owners, and a star-studded array of speakers. We expect this year’s event to be even bigger. Learn how we are transforming the lives of people through the local laundromat and everyday spaces.
Free Laundry & Literacy Days
Free Laundry & Literacy Days have been on hold, but they are going to come back soon in a big way! These “block party” events help to show appreciation for the community which supports local laundromats. While the COVID pandemic was not conducive to hosting community events, we are looking to host these celebrations again in the near future as conditions permit. Keep an eye out on our social channels, on our website, and via email for Free Laundry & Literacy Day events coming near you. You can assist us greatly as a volunteer, a host, or a donor.
How You Can Help?
If you are a laundromat owner, you can:
- Purchase a Family Read, Play & Learn Space – We can help you to activate these spaces with your local library system and literacy programs.
- Join the LaundryCares Network – Join our list for free and help us to keep in touch with you and let your community know you are part of this great and growing community.
- Spread the Word – Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube and Like and Share out posts.
- Make a Donation – Give a monetary donation to help us purchase and distribute books and advance our mission.
Please continue to observe all of the COVID-19 protocols and be safe and healthy. Stay in touch, and we’ll have more information coming soon.