Bridget Maloney teams up with Spirit Radio 94.3 FM and Hello Huntsville to fund $20 laundromat cards for HISD families

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — A community-led effort is underway to help Huntsville ISD students get to school with clean clothes and confidence. Bridget Maloney, working alongside Spirit Radio 94.3 FM and Hello Huntsville, has launched a drive to purchase $20 gift cards redeemable at locally owned laundromats. All donations are directed to HISD Social Services for distribution to families in need through the district’s existing support channels.

Why laundry help matters

National education groups and school-based programs have documented that clothing insecurity can contribute to chronic absenteeism and disengagement. When students lack clean clothes, they are more likely to miss school, withdraw in class, or avoid peer interaction—factors that can ripple into academic setbacks. Several districts and partners have addressed this barrier by providing laundry access or assistance, reporting improved attendance and classroom participation.

What the research shows

School laundry initiatives have reported strong gains among participating students, including higher motivation and improved day-to-day engagement. Program summaries also note measurable attendance improvements for high-risk students when laundry access is provided on campus or through assistance. These findings align with broader guidance on reducing chronic absenteeism, which highlights clothing and hygiene support as one of several practical strategies schools and communities can deploy.

How the Huntsville effort works

Donations are collected in $20 increments and converted into laundromat gift cards. HISD Social Services then provides cards to families who request help, prioritizing dignity and privacy. The approach is intentionally simple: remove one tangible barrier so students can attend school, participate fully, and feel comfortable among peers.

How to donate

Give online at SpiritRadio.fm. Select the giving option and note “HISD Social Services” in the comment or memo. Checks may also be made payable to Spirit Media with the same notation. 100% of funds collected for this project will be used to purchase laundry gift cards for HISD families.

What your $20 can do

A single $20 card can cover multiple loads at a local laundromat, helping a family refresh school outfits, athletics gear, or uniforms for the week. For households without in-home machines, that modest amount can be the difference between a student staying home or showing up ready to learn. Community groups, churches, and civic organizations are encouraged to sponsor cards in bundles to reach more families.

The goal

Partners hope to establish a steady pool of laundry assistance throughout the school year and during high-need periods. As the program grows, organizers may explore complementary partnerships with local laundromats or expanded supply drives for detergent and related essentials—always with the focus on attendance, dignity, and student success.

Donate: https://www.spiritradio.fm (all funds support the HISD clean-clothes project).