Laundry Love in Winter Haven helps those in need by paying for laundry

Laundry Love is helping people in need lighten the load. On the first Monday of every month, you can find deacon Julie Butcher at the laundromat.

"It’s a blessing for me to be able to bless others, and it brings me a lot of joy,” said Butcher.

Butcher runs the Laundry Love ministry and pays for every person using the machines at Wash World Coin Laundry. Maria Ortega had several loads of laundry but didn’t have to spend a dime.

Butcher and Holy Cross Episcopal Church started Laundry Love in Winter Haven four years ago. She said the need has grown as inflation takes a toll on many families. She adds that some people have to choose between clean clothes and groceries.

"When we told her that we were here and paying for laundry, she just cried, she just cried, because it costs so much,” said Butcher.

Laundry Love is funded by members of the church and donations. Rhonda Cobb said she saved about $20 Monday.

“That’s a blessing because I came in with the intent to pay for my laundry and she said ‘hey, I'll pay for it for you,’” said Cobb.

Other churches in the area are planning to join the movement.

“The need is so great so the more we do the better,” Buther said.

Homeowners accuse HOA of overstepping after ABC Action News report
After our story aired in May about the Townhomes of Wexford community; more than a dozen people who own or previously owned property in the HOA community contacted our newsroom with concerns. Rochelle Alleyne took those issues to the HOA president and an attorney.

Latest Polk County News from ABC Action News

• Laundry Love in Winter Haven helps those in need by paying for laundry

  Rebecca Petit

  6:59 PM, Jul 01, 2024

• Florida man arrested after fatally shooting girlfriend near Mexican restaurant

  Rebekah Nelson

  8:46 AM, Jul 01, 2024

• Advocates gather to demand change within Lakeland Police Department

  Mary O'Connell

  9:43 PM, Jun 30, 2024

• PCSO: Mulberry man killed trying to cross S.R. 60

  Brian McBride

  9:23 AM, Jun 30, 2024