Loads of Love
December 24, 2020
Shelby Miller, of Branson West, receives help from Loads of Love founder, Janie Howland, on Dec. 17, at Clean Jeans in Branson West.
Four years ago, Janie Howland was talking with a friend about her concern for all the children who were going to school in dirty clothes. She had also noticed employees at local businesses wearing soiled clothing. Howland began to see a need, but there was no one to address it. Howland began praying about the situation and soon received an answer.
Howland put a plan together to meet people at the laundromat and pay for their laundry bill. There was no limit on the amount of loads they could have. She reached out to Clean Jeans in Branson West to request the use of their facility. The laundromat was happy to comply. Soon after, she posted about her vision on her Facebook page and notified local pastors, school counselors and social workers to help spread the word.
With everything in place, Loads of Love program was launched. Howland admits there were days in the beginning when no one showed. As word got out, people began trickling in. These days, she may have anywhere from four or five to 20 individuals using Loads of Love. Every month, on the third Thursday, Howland warmly greets people coming through the doors of the laundromat. No vetting or financial criteria have to meet in order to take part in this program. The ministry director simply ushers them over to the machines of their choice. With a big smile Howland helps each person load the washer or dryer, then places the coins in the machine to get it started.
Loads of Love helps anyone-seniors, veterans, single mothers and young families alike, who don’t have the money to stretch,” she said. Ages of the participants in the program range from 18 to 85 years old. “Everyone that comes here for help is always so grateful,” Howland stated.
Some of the funding for the program comes from outside donations. However, there have been many times Howland has used money from her own pocket to serve the people in need. A trip to the laundromat can cost anywhere from $7 to $15 per person. That can be relatively costly at times. She confessed there have been times she has had to spend up to $200 in one day helping people with their laundry, though it is obvious, she takes great joy in helping others.
The Loads of Laundry Program is conducted from 9 a.m. until noon on the third Thursday of every month. For more information about the Loads of Love Program, or to make donations call Janie Howland at 417-559-4202.
Howland put a plan together to meet people at the laundromat and pay for their laundry bill. There was no limit on the amount of loads they could have. She reached out to Clean Jeans in Branson West to request the use of their facility. The laundromat was happy to comply. Soon after, she posted about her vision on her Facebook page and notified local pastors, school counselors and social workers to help spread the word.
With everything in place, Loads of Love program was launched. Howland admits there were days in the beginning when no one showed. As word got out, people began trickling in. These days, she may have anywhere from four or five to 20 individuals using Loads of Love. Every month, on the third Thursday, Howland warmly greets people coming through the doors of the laundromat. No vetting or financial criteria have to meet in order to take part in this program. The ministry director simply ushers them over to the machines of their choice. With a big smile Howland helps each person load the washer or dryer, then places the coins in the machine to get it started.
Loads of Love helps anyone-seniors, veterans, single mothers and young families alike, who don’t have the money to stretch,” she said. Ages of the participants in the program range from 18 to 85 years old. “Everyone that comes here for help is always so grateful,” Howland stated.
Some of the funding for the program comes from outside donations. However, there have been many times Howland has used money from her own pocket to serve the people in need. A trip to the laundromat can cost anywhere from $7 to $15 per person. That can be relatively costly at times. She confessed there have been times she has had to spend up to $200 in one day helping people with their laundry, though it is obvious, she takes great joy in helping others.
The Loads of Laundry Program is conducted from 9 a.m. until noon on the third Thursday of every month. For more information about the Loads of Love Program, or to make donations call Janie Howland at 417-559-4202.