Anaheim Schools Offer Free Laundry

The Anaheim Union High School District's new laundry service is a collaboration with local businesses Superior Laundry and LaundryUp. The school board has allocated an initial sum of nearly $9,000 to fund the initiative, which provides laundry vouchers to students and their families. Students in need will receive laundry cards with credits, along with detergent and fabric softener. Some schools within the district will also offer free drop-off and pick-up services, adding a layer of convenience for busy families. The concept for the program was brought to the district by Giovana Sanguinetti, the senior program director at the non-profit organization Villages of California. Sanguinetti, who focuses on children's mental health, also helped establish community closets where families can get clothing at no cost. This initiative is modeled after a successful program that has been running for three years in the Anaheim Elementary School District. In the elementary district, over 80% of students are classified as economically disadvantaged, highlighting the significant need for such support services. The goal is to address students' basic needs to help them focus on their education. The Anaheim Union High School District serves a large number of students from low-income households. This program aims to alleviate a key stressor for these families, promoting student dignity and confidence. The current program is scheduled to run through December 31st. District officials will then evaluate the program's impact and demand to decide on a potential extension.