OKEECHOBEE — Treasure Island Coin Laundry is offering the community a chance to come in and wash and dry their clothes, bedding, etc. completely free of charge on Oct. 11.

The laundromat is located at 3651 U.S. 441 Southeast. The business is not well known and hides in the back of a small plaza, but it is well worth the search. If you find the Shell gas station, the plaza is right next to it. Backwoods Billiards is in the same plaza.

Lisa Thomas and her husband Chance Whalen have owned the laundromat for more than four years and have remodeled, redecorated and replaced almost everything inside. The business has been a family project, and Lisa said her children are growing up there.

The business is family friendly, with a comfortable waiting room where customers can sit on a comfy couch, and their children can play with the books and toys provided. With four children of her own, Lisa knows how important it is to have an area where the parents can relax, and the children can play. “It’s hard enough to just be a mom without having to stress about your kids getting into something they shouldn’t while you wash clothes.” In addition to toys, books, a handmade table for playing checkers and vending machines and an ATM machine, the laundry also has a security system so employees and customers can feel safe at all times. “We put in lights in the parking lot to help with that too,” said Lisa. “It used to be really dark out there.”

Lisa said the family does not live in Okeechobee YET, but they would like nothing more than to move here. “We love the people here, and we wanted to find a way to give something back to the community.”

The free laundry day will be from 9-5 on Saturday, and all the staff will be there to help as needed. “We have a wonderful staff,” she said. “They are well trained and hard workers.”

Not only will community members be able to wash clothes for free, but Lisa  has organized a group of vendors, including face painting, fairy hair and a food truck, to set up in the parking lot to help pass the time as you wait for your clothing to dry.

Lisa added that they have a drop-off service and a pickup and delivery service. Veterans, first responders and teachers receive a discount when they use these services as well. To arrange service, call 863-623-4380 or visit them on Facebook or at Treasureislandcoinlaundry.com. You can arrange a one-time service or a subscription for a bag each week. The subscription will save you 30%.

Lisa is very proud of the cleanliness of her laundromat and dares you to find one that is cleaner. There is always an employee on duty to help keep things running smoothly.

If you do not have a washer and dryer at home, Lisa encourages you to stop by and check them out. The free laundry day on Oct. 11 gives you an opportunity to meet the family and wash whatever you choose. “Bring your clothes, your dog beds, your comforters. Whatever you want,” said Lisa.