Eckerd Connects’ event Laundry of Love returned to Brevard County with record-breaking support—serving 153 families and completing over 1,800 loads of laundry. With help from generous donors, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners, families received more than just clean clothes—they felt seen, supported, and uplifted.
Freshly folded clothes may seem like a small thing — but for many families in Brevard County, they represent comfort, dignity and care. That’s the heart behind Laundry of Love, a free community event returning this Saturday, March 29, from 9 a.m. to noon, at four laundromats across the county.
All families need to do is bring their laundry — everything else will be provided. That includes laundry detergent, fabric softener, bleach and all the expenses for washing and drying.
The event’s theme says it best: “Showing love one load at a time.”
Cocoa Locations:
- 1224 Dixon Boulevard
- 805 N Fiske Boulevard
Titusville Location:
- 616 Park Avenue
Melbourne Location:
- 1844 Post Road
“Eckerd Connects Family Services partnered with The Real Church March 19, 2022, to host the Laundry of Love event. Before this partnership, The Real Church had already been organizing Laundry of Love events for single mothers. This marks our fourth year hosting the event together,” said Talia Bryant, MS, LMHC, Family Service Area Manager at Eckerd Connects.
These combined efforts have since expanded to reach more families throughout Brevard County.
The need for such an initiative is both heartfelt and practical.
“The Laundry of Love initiative was created to support families in need by providing free laundry services, essential supplies, and a welcoming sense of community. We believe that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life,” Bryant said.
In addition to clean clothes, the event offers a chance to come together, share a smile and lighten the load — literally and figuratively— for families facing financial hardship.
As Bryant explained, “Laundry of Love is more than just washing clothes — it’s about uplifting the community and bringing people together to make a meaningful, tangible impact on the lives of others.”
Eckerd Connects plays a central role by providing all the essential supplies families need during the event.
“Eckerd Connects Family Services provides essential laundry supplies (detergent, quarters, etc.), community resources, and light refreshments to support families attending the event,” Bryant shared.
The laundry facilities themselves are not mobile units. Instead, Eckerd Connects and The Real Church work directly with local laundromats to offer access to washers and dryers in familiar, neighborhood locations.
“We partner with four local laundromats in Brevard County, including locations in Cocoa, Melbourne, and Titusville to provide families with access to washers and dryers,” said Bryant.
The program is powered by community involvement rather than formal sponsorships.
“Currently, we do not have official sponsors, but we welcome sponsorship opportunities to help expand and sustain the event in the future,” she noted.
“Last year, we served over 115 families, helping them wash and dry more than 400 loads of laundry,” said Bryant.
“We have partnered with local Rotary Clubs, churches and businesses to supply detergent, bleach, softeners, and other laundry essentials for the event,” Bryant explained.
Along with the supplies, participants will be treated to refreshments provided by local favorites.
“We want to extend a special thank you to our food and coffee donors: Starbucks, 7-Eleven, and Krispy Kreme for their generous contributions,” Bryant said.
Beyond this one event, Laundry of Love reflects the broader mission of Eckerd Connects, a national nonprofit that works to strengthen families and provide services that remove barriers to stability and self-sufficiency.
“Eckerd Connects, a national nonprofit, is committed to strengthening families by meeting them where they are and providing services that help remove barriers to stability and self-sufficiency. Laundry of Love is just one of the ways we put this mission into action,” Bryant said.
As families walk into a laundromat March 29, they won’t just be carrying laundry baskets—they’ll be met with kindness, support, and a sense of community that sticks with them long after the clothes are folded and the machines stop spinning.
Whether you’re a parent in need, a volunteer lending a hand, or a local business eager to support a good cause, Laundry of Love is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful help comes in the simplest form: a clean start, one load at a time.
