Tide, Duracell bring services to South Shore

Offer free laundry, charging stations and Internet access

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Responding to the need of those on the South Shore, Tide laundry detergent and Duracell batteries have both parked vehicles at the Island Park railroad station to give residents a place to do laundry and charge their electronics.

The Tide Loads of Hope program offers free laundry services to relief workers and residents of the area who need the help. People can drop off their laundry to be washed, dried and folded free of charge. The Duracell Power Forward Fleet is also at the train station lot, giving residents a place that they can charge their cell phones and use computer terminals. The Duracell Community Center also offers free wi-fi and satellite TV with streaming weather updates and news. There is also a message board with information pertaining to local resources and a distribution station for batteries and other materials.

The Loads of Hope program began in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. Since then, Tide has washed over 54,000 loads of laundry for more than 39,000 families impacted by disasters.

Loads of Hope cannot accept bedding, jackets or other large pieces, and is limited to one load per family.

“Tide has learned that little things — like clean clothes — can make a big difference to those who have lost the comforts of home,” the company wrote in a press release. “The recent storms have devastated parts of the country and 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.”

Both trucks are located at the Island Park railroad station, at the intersection of Long Beach Road and Warwick Road. The services are open to all residents of the South Shore that need them, not just Island Park. The location was chosen for its space and so that it would be accessible to many different communities. The Tide Loads of Hope is open daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the Duracell Community Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.