At St. John’s, we believe that caring for one another in practical ways is a meaningful expression of God’s love in our community. Our Laundry Love Ministry offers free laundry services to neighbors who may not otherwise have access to clean clothing and linens. Through this ministry, we seek to share hospitality, restore dignity, and support the well-being of those in our community.
Why Laundry Love?
Having access to clean clothes and bedding is more than a matter of comfort. Studies show that clean clothing contributes to:
- Self-esteem
- A sense of dignity and self-worth
- The ability to gain and maintain employment
- Educational success for children and families
Nearly three-quarters (74%) of families who cannot afford household necessities struggle with hygiene insecurity – they often skip doing laundry or washing dishes to conserve supplies. Of these families, 63% prioritize washing only their children’s clothes.
In 2018, a generous donor provided St. John’s with a set of washers and dryers to support our mission to serve our neighbors with compassion and care. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Laundry Love operated as a free laundromat during Loaves and Fishes meal times, allowing guests to wash clothing onsite. In response to changing public health needs, the program transitioned to a weekly drop-off model and now operates on the following schedule:
Laundry may be dropped off on Tuesdays between noon and 1pm and will be washed, dried, and folded by volunteers for pickup the following Tuesday.
Making a Difference
Over time, volunteers have witnessed the quiet but important ways this ministry makes a difference:
- One guest picking up his laundry said “I have a job interview.” He returned later to share that he had been hired, and that having clean clothes to wear had made the difference.
- Another neighbor spoke about being able to keep his job because he could keep his uniforms clean.
- A childcare worker told our volunteers that access to laundry allowed her to continue caring for the children she serves in clean clothing.
- A person who had struggled with her mental health for some time shared that this ministry helped them overcome what felt like a mountain of undone laundry, making it possible to take steps toward improving her living situation.
Words from a guest
“Thank you so much for doing something so essential for others’ well-being. I am sure you will not know the story behind each load of laundry’s owner. But know this … by giving us clean clothes, you have added confidence, worth, and love back into our hearts and wardrobes.”
How to Participate in Laundry Love
If you are in need of laundry assistance:
- Drop off and pick up are on Tuesdays between noon and 1:00pm.
- Come to the Cayuga Street entrance to the St. John’s Parish Hall and follow the posted signs
- Please bring your laundry already bagged (trash bag, laundry bag, etc.). Your own bag will be returned to you
- Limit of one large bag or two medium bags per person
Before you come
- Volunteers are not able to sort laundry or check pockets
- All clothing must be safe for machine drying
- Scent-free detergent is available upon request
If You Would Like to Volunteer
Laundry Love is sustained by the compassion and generosity of our volunteers.
If you would like to support this ministry and help it reach more members of our community, volunteers are welcome any day between 1:00pm and 8:00pm. No direct contact with the public is required.
For more information, please contact the St. John’s Office:
Phone: 607-273-6532
office@stjohnsithaca.org
Laundry Love is affiliated with https://laundrylove.org/
Dignity Pantry
Thirty-three percent of low-income households report bathing without soap when they cannot afford body wash. This isn’t a matter of choice, it’s economic necessity.
To address this need, St. John’s maintains a Dignity Pantry with personal care items not covered by SNAP benefits. These items are available during Loaves and Fishes mealtimes on Tuesday (5:30 to 7:00pm) and Wednesday (11:30am – 1:00pm):
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
- Feminine hygiene products
To donate products to the Dignity Pantry, please contact the St. John’s Office.
Free Socks
St. John’s also participates in the Bombas Socks donation program. A variety of sock sizes from small to extra-large are available upon request or during Loaves and Fishes meal times on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.