We have washing machines in a few different places at camp- in the basement of the dining hall (for kitchen linens and the extra towels we lend to kids at shower time), the health center, the DC (for lead staff) and the staff laundry room (there are 2 washers, but there is space for 3). So we have 5 total washing machines and dryers.
Last week, the washing machine in the dining hall broke. The kitchen needs to be able to do laundry, so we decided to take one out of the staff locker room to replace it. And then yesterday, the washing machine in the DC broke.
In the past, we have asked for donations and gotten used washers donated. Used washers are fine, but you never know what you are going to get (there is usually a reason why someone is replacing their washing machine).
And so I found a decent washing machine online for about $400 and sent the link out to everyone on the mailing list asking for help. Help! 2 of our washers died, can you help us buy a new one?!
Within an hour, a camper dad called and offered to buy 2 washers. Shortly after him, another person emailed back and said they'd like to buy one. By the end of the day, I had 7 offers for new washing machines.
I think people like to help fulfill a specific need. I think that $400 is a reasonable donation (significant, but not extravagant- manageable for many people). I wanted to say yes to all 7 and just stack up some back ups, but I didn't. I also wanted to ask for the cash, since they were willing to spend it anyway, but of course I didn't.
3 new washers- a pretty good accomplishment for one day!
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