CLEVELAND — Delivering care packages and free drying, those are two services The Wash House and Café on Cleveland’s west side is providing for residents in the laundromat’s West Park neighborhood.
“It's just something we felt we had to do,” says owner Sophia Fernandez. “We love our customers. To see them struggling when you're not, it just seems like something you should do. You should help out when you can.”
Fernandez says volunteers will deliver care packages, filled with food and toilet paper, to seniors and those in need living within a six-mile radius of the Lorain Road laundromat. So far there have been 60 deliveries with much more food and supplies still waiting to be given out.
“They're just sitting on our shelves doing no good and we pretty much just bought it (the supplies) for the customers,” says Fernandez. “We just want to get them out there to people who need them.”
Those who would like to take advantage of the care package drop-off service should call 216-941-5486 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Free drying is being offered at The Wash House through Easter.
“It gives people a little break,” says construction worker Carmen Stavole who has been going to the laundromat for five months. “It gives them an opportunity to come here and wash their clothes and get a little discount at the same time.”
Stavole says the service is helping his budget, saving him about $40 a month.