Starts on September 14!
After nearly a year and a half of delays due to COVID19, St. Martin's plans to begin our Laundry Love program on Tuesday, September 14 at Winchester Cleaners, at 14622 Manchester Road, in Ballwin from 4-7 pm.
What is LAUNDRY LOVE?
Laundry Love is a national program that began in the Diocese of Los Angeles. It all began with a simple observation in a conversation with a gentleman who was struggling with finances or unhoused: that if he had clean clothes, those he encountered might treat him with more dignity.
For many people who struggle with low incomes, the money to clean clothes is nonexistent next to the necessity for food, shelter, and clothing. That's where Laundry Love comes in. Read this article from Episcopal News Service, or this blog post from one of the pioneering parishes, Thad's, to hear how Laundry Love started and continues in LA. And Laundry Love is a nationwide movement, even here in the Diocese of Missouri at Holy Communion, where their laundry love program has been active for a few years now. But the need exists here in West County, as well.
Our plan is to meet there the second Tuesday of each month from 4-7 pm. We will provide access to free laundry service to those who request it. Our West County food pantry, Circle of Concern, is working with us distributing flyers to people who frequently use their services letting them know the dates and times of our ministry.
Everyone Can Participate in Some Way!
Staffing
We will need volunteers to help us out at the laundromat each month. We have enough workers to cover September 14, but will need others for future dates.
Volunteers help with getting clients quarters and laundry detergent, help with the washing or the drying if people would like some assistance-- but even more importantly, will welcome and get to know people in a practical way, much like the way volunteers at the Peace Meal welcome and share a meal with those who come.
St. Martin's will also partner with two neighboring parishes, Good Shepherd and St. Luke's in this endeavor-- but we need YOU! If anyone is willing to volunteer to work with us at the laundromat one month , PLEASE email our Laundry Love coordinator, Anne Fischer, at anne-fischer@sbcglobal.net.
Donate Quarters
Here's an easy one! Bring your quarters and spare change in, and our volunteers will turn it into loads of clean laundry for the clients! It's like magic!
Eat Well and Do Good at our Walnut Grill Fundraiser, September 15
On September 15 we have scheduled a fundraiser for Laundry Love at The Walnut Grill on Clayton Rd at Clarkson. It’s an all day affair (from 11 am to 9 pm). You can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner or all three (or you can order takeout!). Just mention you are from St Martin’s Church. A percentage of their proceeds that day will be given to us for our ministry. Oh, Walnut Grill has an ample amount of outdoor seating.
Buy a Raffle Ticket!
We plan to sell raffle tickets after the services on August 22 and September 5. The prize is a $50 gift certificate to The Walnut Grill. We will have a table set up in the foyer of the church. Laundry Love is a practical ministry whose results can be seen immediately-- and that can make a huge difference in someone's life in this time that has seen so many people struggle to pay for basic necessities. Please join us in supporting the expansion of Laundry Love into West County! If you have any questions, please contact Anne Fischer, or any members of the Outreach Committee.