Commercial washer and dryer donated to animal shelter

WARWICK — Washing towels, blankets and animal beds may not be the first thing that comes to mind when one considers all the tasks that have to be performed at the Warwick Valley Humane Society’s animal shelter.

But for Suzyn Barron, president of the humane society, and her staff it’s an everyday chore that must be performed mornings before opening and evenings after closing.

But recently, that all came to a sudden halt.

“Our commercial washer and dryer died after a long illness, both on the same day,” said Barron. “Our dryer was repairable for more than $600 and a new installed washer was quoted at more than $6,000, neither of which were budgeted. We were back and forth to South Street Wash and Fold and the owner permitted use of the Laundromat’s machines with several loads of animal beds and blankets, for which we are most appreciative.”

A dog lover to the rescue
Michelle Little, a volunteer and member of the Warwick Valley Humane Society’s Board of Directors, mentioned the laundry situation to her mother, Louisa Little. She knew Andrew May, president of Hercules, Corp., which is based in Hicksville on Long Island and is a leader in laundry room design, installation, management and service for the multi-housing, universities, hospitals and on-premise markets.

And Hercules had a history of helping not-for-profit organizations like the Ronald McDonald House and the Humane Society of Middletown.

Louisa Little placed a call to May.

“When I was contacted about the Warwick Valley Humane Society’s desperate need for a washer and dryer,” said May, “I knew that I could certainly make a difference for them. I’m a tremendous dog lover and I will do as much as I can to always help such a worthwhile organization. By providing a washer and dryer, along with lifetime service for the machines at no charge, the animals at the humane society will always have clean towels and clean bedding, which is critical for them.”

New equipment, plus service
Under the direction of Tom Jeppestol, Hercules senior sales associate, technicians soon installed a new commercial triple loader washer and 30-pound commercial dryer at the Warwick animal shelter.

“It was an absolute Godsend and we were up and running within a week,” said Barron. “We are set for life never having to worry about clean bedding again. On behalf of our shelter residents, staff and directors, Hercules Corporation is our hero and my most heartfelt thank you to Andrew, Tom and the installation crew for coming to our rescue.”

- Roger Gavan