National Clothesline

A few months have passed since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita wreaked havoc in the United States, but their impact still lingers heavily on.

The Southwest Drycleaners Association responded quickly when news of the devastation hit. Hoping to provide some immediate short-term help, the association requested donations from cleaners nationwide and raised approximately $4,600 during Phase One of their relief plan.

The cash contributions were given directly to the American Red Cross effort to help all individuals stricken by the storms.

Now, SDA is focussing on Phase Two of their plan to provide cleaners who suffered losses with some long-term aide.

According to SDA President Jim Shepherd, CED, CPD — and owner of The Cleaners of Ruston in Ruston, LA — the second phase is progressing along well.

“Our Phase Two plan is in full swing,” he explained. “In conjunction with the superb efforts of the Fabricare Foundation, we have collected about $4,300 so far and have given out three $500 grants to help those cleaners returning to business in the stricken areas. A voluntary committee of industry leaders from all over the country is overseeing the effort. We’ll distribute more grant money as the applications for help come in.”

In the meantime, cleaners who wish to contribute funds to the cause can send checks payable to “FCF Katrina/Rita Disaster Relief” to the SDA offices. The mailing address is: 1800 NE Loop 410 #308, San Antonio, TX 78217.

Cleaners affected by the storms may fill out grant applications located at the association's web site: www.sda-dryclean.com.

To be eligible, applicants must be an owner or principal in a drycleaning plant and the company must be located in a primary disaster relief area designated by the federal government (the IRS or FEMA).

Also, in order to qualify, drycleaning plants must have suffered “substantial losses or the potential of long-term business interruption as a direct result of hurricanes Katrina or Rita and must be planning to continue in business.”

According to Shepherd, it’s still a difficult process just to figure out how many cleaners were affected by the hurricanes since communication problems in the region persist.

“I’ve talked to several cleaners offering them our help and assistance,” he said. “At least 60 members experienced some loss. Our endorsed insurance carrier, NIE, tells us at least 125 locations with claims came as a result of these devastating hurricanes.”

Shepherd also noted that, fortunately, the industry remains engaged in a concerted effort to help its peers.

“The North Carolina Association of Launderers and Cleaners surprised me with a generous $1,000 donation at the recent Joint State Affiliate/ IFI meeting — and I understand through the grapevine that more donations are forthcoming,” he said. “The needs are great and we want to continue to make a difference — that’s really our objective.”

Cleaners who wish to find out more about the situation in the region will have an opportunity at SDA’s Cleaners Showcase Trade Show that will be hosted in Fort Worth from March 31 to April 2.

Early plans for the weekend include a panel discussion that will feature some of the drycleaners impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. More information on the show is also available at SDA’s web site.