ANAHEIM, Calif. (KABC) — An Orange County school district is taking steps to ensure its students have easier access to clean clothes.
It’s happening in Anaheim and it’s part of what school officials describe as a “whole child” approach: the belief that when a child’s physical and emotional health are addressed, their chances for success in the classroom are improved.
That’s the goal of a new laundry program within the Anaheim Union High School District.
“Everything we’re doing, we’re in the business of helping our students thrive in and out of the classroom,” said Carlos Hernandez, the district’s Executive Director of Educational Services for Cultural Engagement.
The district has partnered with Superior Laundry, which has two locations in Anaheim, to provide laundry vouchers to students and families who need it.
The district will begin by prioritizing McKinney-Vento students, homeless students, those in foster programs and families facing extreme financial hardship. Hernandez said social workers on campuses will distribute the vouchers.
“Our homeless students, our students that may be in dire need because there’s something that changed for them at home. There’s a lot going on in our community right now. They’re living perhaps in fear,” Hernandez said.
The agreement, which runs through December 31, 2026, will cost the district no more than $8,900. Records show the funding is coming from Community Engagement Initiative Funds and Community Schools Partnership Program Funds.
“A laundromat, it is a business for the community. So when we’re called upon, we want to be here for the communities,” said Patrick Lee, co-owner of Superior Laundry.
Patrick Lee’s family has been operating Superior Laundry for the past 40 years. He says they have already been working with elementary schools in Anaheim to offer a similar service and is looking forward to expanding the resource to high school students.
“Being able to give back to the families and the students that make Anaheim what it is, a great city, it has just been nothing but a blessing,” Lee said.
Lee said they will also offer pickup and delivery services, and will be laundering donated clothes within the school district that will be stored on campuses for students.
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