POP-UP LAUNDRY SERVICE OFFERS FREE WASH
AND DRY TO JACKSON HEIGHTS COMMUNITY
Maria Acuna shares the good news to a customer that his laundry would be washed free of charge. Photos by Dean Moses
TIMESLEDGER | QNS.COM | JULY 2-JULY 8, 2021 21
BY DEAN MOSES
The Laundry Project encouraged
those in need to
share their dirty laundry on
Thursday, June 24.
Residents of Jackson
Heights were treated to quite
the shock when they rolled up
their dirty clothes to Laundrybee
on 71-16 37th Ave. Prepared
for another slog at the local
washateria, they instead found
a group of smiling volunteers
who offered to pay for both the
cleaning and drying.
Maria Acuna travels
throughout the United States
with fellow volunteers setting
up free services that pay for
unsuspecting launderette users
to enjoy a free wash and
dry in low-income neighborhoods.
This service is designed
to not only relieve the financial
burden that accumulates
with heavy loads, but also to
promote the good nature of humanity
by aiding in what can
be a menial and laborious task.
“Today for three hours anybody
who comes in, we pay for
their laundry, and we also provide
soaps for them to use as
well,” Acuna began, sharing
her enthusiasm.
“I feel like it is a little light
during all the craziness of the
pandemic. And laundry can be
so expensive, especially if it is
for a big family,” Acuna added.
According to the Laundry
Project, more than 170,000
loads of laundry have been
washed for approximately
17,000 families in more than
600 projects nationwide.
As Queens locals began
to trickle in, they were left
shocked and thankful for the
service, even rushing back
home to grab more loads. A superintendent
of a local apartment
building swiftly spread
the word, understanding that
the service would be a vital one
for many in the community.
Jesus Rodriguez said that
this initiative is not only so
helpful due to the financial alleviation,
but also a great relief
due to the time it saves.
“I was walking by, and I
saw it. I have three bags and
I am rushing here there and
everywhere,” Rodriguez told
amNewYork Metro. “I don’t
make much money so this is a
big help.”
Acuna and her team say
that these are the types of interactions
that make the whole
experience worth it and continue
to inspire them.
Laundry Project prefers not
to promote their pop-up events
beforehand, instead creating
a series of happy accidents for
the unaware.
“One time I had a lady come
in with two shopping carts
and had no idea that she was
going to get her laundry done.
When we told her, she started
crying — it was a beautiful
thing,” Acuna said. “She was
with a lot of kids, and she said
she was debating whether she
should do her laundry or go out
to eat.”
Maria Acuna and fellow volunteer Everett Apple.
Caption: Maria Acuna (right) surprises a Queens resident with free
laundry service.
/QNS.COM
