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Washers and Dryers Donated to Schools, and Attendance Improves

After a former St. Louis principal noticed a correlation between student attendance and families’ access to clean clothes, she contacted manufacturer Whirlpool about donating a washer and dryer to her elementary school.

by John Reynolds

School children at Arnoldo Cantu Sr. Elementary School in San Juan, Texas, enjoy their free breakfast, April 24, 2013.
Credit: Delcia Lopez

After a former St. Louis principal noticed a correlation between student attendance and families’ access to clean clothes, she contacted manufacturer Whirlpool about donating a washer and dryer to her elementary school. The company, inspired by the request, surveyed schools across the country, uncovering what appeared to be a dire need for access to laundry facilities in underserved communities. (The Huffington Post)

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