Staff photo by Gage Cureton Barb Olson (right), organizer for the Laundry Love program in New Ulm, assists Tom Palmer (left) with his laundry. Palmer, along with his wife and son, is homeless and brought in several bags of dirty laundry for the free laundry services Tuesday.

NEW ULM — Loads of love and clean laundry were provided to New Ulm area low-income and no-income families Tuesday.

Laundry Love, a movement that partners with groups, schools and local laundromats to wash the clothes of those in need, launched its first trial run at the Mega Wash Maytag laundromat.

Free laundry services, detergent and assistance were offered to low-income residents from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Barb Olson, organizer of the Laundry Love program in New Ulm, said 13 people had already come in for free laundry services only 30 minutes after they had opened. She said she’s hopeful the program will become a monthly occurrence.

Tom Palmer, who brought in several overflowing bags of laundry, said it’s been difficult to find places that will clean his, his son’s and wife’s clothes.

He said he’s grateful for the services the Laundry Love program has provided.

“We can finally get all our laundry clean,” Palmer said. “It’s been hard to find a place to live.”

Palmer said he works in Hutchinson for Mini Buff Incorporated, a portable toilet rental service. He said work has been slow and acquiring enough money to pay for necessities has been difficult. However, Palmer said he’s still looking for a home in New Ulm for his family.

Donations of cash or checks are accepted by United Church of Christ in New Ulm. Olson said to write checks out to United Church of Christ with “Laundry Love” written in the memo line.

Cash and check donations can be delivered to United Church of Christ at 301 S. Minnesota St.

Gage Cureton can be emailed at gcureton@nujournal.com.