Tide’s ‘Loads of Hope’ targets Bertie

Published 11:14 am Friday, April 22, 2011

WINDSOR – The Tide ‘Loads of Hope’ mobile laundry program will bring its free laundry services to Bertie County from Friday through Sunday to provide clean clothes to those affected by the recent tornadoes.

Working with the American Red Cross, Tide ‘Loads of Hope’ will deploy its fleet of vans to transport laundry to and from local laundromats to be washed, dried and folded by the Tide ‘Loads of Hope’ team, free of charge. Laundry will be accepted and returned at the specified laundromats in each area. No bedding, jackets, or other large pieces will be accepted.

The program will operate from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (April 22,23 and 24) at The Wash House, located at 126 Granville Street in Windsor.

Tide ‘Loads of Hope’ was created in 2005 to provide much needed free laundry services to families affected by Hurricane Katrina. Inspired by the resilience and spirit of the people of New Orleans, Tide was driven to expand the ‘Loads of Hope’ program and has since helped families affected by disaster in Southern California, Texas, North Dakota, and most recently, Tennessee.

Today, the program includes the Tide ‘Loads of Hope’ truck outfitted with 32 energy-efficient Frigidaire® Affinity™ washers and dryers, and a fleet of vans that allow the Tide team to help more families than ever before. Collectively, Tide has washed over 35,000 loads of laundry for more than 27,000 families impacted by disasters since the program launched.

WHY:        Tide has learned that little things – like clean clothes – can make a big difference to those who have lost the comforts of home. Recent tornadoes have devastated parts of North Carolina and have forced many residents from their homes, leaving them without basic needs and resources. Tide ‘Loads of Hope’ is prepared to help relief workers and families whose clothing and personal items have been impacted and to help renew a sense of hope to individuals in need.

HOW:        People across the country can help support Tide ‘Loads of Hope’ by purchasing a Tide Loads of Hope vintage tee by visiting www.tideloadsofhope.com. All of the profits from the tees go to help families affected by natural disaster.