Blessing Box founder Katie Dahlheim assists in organizing the events at Reynolds Laundromat in North Charleston
Girls from the Cub Scout Pack 44 Senior Webelos Den helped operate washers and dryers earlier this year.
“Come on in and get your clothes washed. Sit down in the cool air and get yourself something to drink. And grab you some chips,” invites the wide-grinning greeter from behind a table laden with coin rolls, detergent bottles, and snacks. Dubbed “Lady C,” volunteer Carolyn Smith welcomes dozens of people to Reynolds Laundromat for Free Laundry Days nearly every other week. “The ‘C’ stands for compassion,” she explains, “because to do this work, you have to have love for the people.”
These community mornings draw an assortment of locals, from elderly folks on fixed incomes to unhoused individuals with a few garments in a backpack. “We put everything in the wash and then offer them something to eat,” explains Smith, who began organizing the service in 2017. Inspired by a similar effort downtown, the 60-year-old wanted to bring Free Laundry Days to her own North Charleston neighborhood, only with a bit more pizzazz. “I wanted to turn it into a party,” enthuses Smith, who was recently recognized for her outstanding commitment to public service with a Jefferson Award from the South Carolina chapter of national nonprofit Multiplying Good.
With guidance from Lowcountry Blessings Box founder Katie Dalheim and an agreement from the laundromat to host, Smith raised her first $200 from friends and family to operate the washers and dryers for a couple of hours, as well as supply snacks and entertainment. But with laundry costing as much as $10 per load and so many needing assistance, the money ran out long before the dirty clothes. “It wasn’t enough,” laments Smith. Undaunted, she set an ambitious fundraising goal of $500, developed her charismatic Internet persona, and took to social media as Lady C. “I went on Facebook Live to tell people what we were doing and ask for help.”
(Left to right) Blessing Box founder Katie Dalheim assists in organizing the events; Volunteer Carolyn Smith turns Free Laundry Days at Reynolds Laundromat into a party with music and children’s activities.
Seven years later, Free Laundry Days have settled into a bimonthly cycle at the Reynolds Avenue laundromat. Along with her 36-year-old daughter, Esther, and a team of dedicated volunteers, Smith organizes each wash party, pouring about $600 from business sponsorships and individual donations into every session. As many as 55 people rotate through during these four-hour events while emcee Smith spins gospel, jazz, blues, and contemporary tunes. “We see all sorts of people. Some walk, some catch the bus,” she says. No matter a person’s background “to have clean clothes gives you a sense of dignity.”
Of course, Free Laundry Days are about more than access to washers and dryers. Beyond clean clothes and linens, patrons receive free meals, cold drinks, goodies, and other giveaways. The team keeps crayons, coloring books, and games on hand to entertain the littlest laundromat goers. In between sessions, Smith visits yard sales, scouts Facebook Marketplace, and shops Goodwill for household essentials and clothing to fill a take-what-you-need table. “I pick up nice things that I would want in my own home, nothing bent or broken,” she explains. And if any cash remains at the end of the party, Lady C slides the bills into an envelope to play “Guess the Money,” allowing a lucky winner or two to go home with enough to buy dinner. Many visitors don’t own more than the clothes on their backs and will stop in for a bite to eat and some company. “They simply want somebody to talk to them and listen to them. And sometimes, they just need a hug,” reflects Smith, who is happy to wrap her community in laundry warm from the dryer—and warm embraces.
