Anaheim Schools Provide Free Laundry for Students

The Anaheim Union High School District's new initiative is a collaboration with local businesses Superior Laundry and the mobile service LaundryUp. Through this partnership, the district will distribute nearly $9,000 worth of laundry vouchers to students and their families. Students identified by the district's community schools team will receive laundry cards with credits, along with detergent and fabric softener. Some schools will also offer a free drop-off and pick-up service, further removing barriers for students to have clean clothes. This program for high schoolers builds on a successful, similar initiative launched three years ago for students in the Anaheim Elementary School District. In that district, over 80% of students are classified as economically disadvantaged, highlighting the significant need for such support. "We believe that protecting a student's dignity is essential to their success," said Kenny Perez, an Anaheim Union community schools manager, noting it is difficult for students to focus on education if they are worried about basic needs. The program aims to remove these barriers so students can attend school with confidence. Nationally, studies have shown a strong link between access to clean clothes and school attendance. One in five students in the U.S. lacks access to clean clothes, which can lead to higher rates of absenteeism. The current high school program is set to run through December 31, at which point district leaders will evaluate its impact and consider an extension based on student need. The co-owner of Superior Laundry, Patrick Lee, whose family business is one of the partners, stated that the goal is to be a "good neighbor in the community." He hopes to see the model expand to other school districts in neighboring cities.