Drummond Island Laundry and Linen Rental

A Community Self-Help Project

Past...

Drummond Island is located on the eastern tip of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is a remote area steeped in history and natural beauty. Its economy depends on two industries: The mining and shipping of dolomite, and tourism. Tourists are attracted to the area year-round, to hunt, fish, camp, snowmobile, etc.

The isolated nature of the area requires local citizens to rely heavily on modern transportation for important contacts with social agencies, government, and communications. Children are bussed to school in the DeTour Public Schools on the mainland, and cross by ferry each morning and evening to achieve academic completion. The school and the churches are the focal point of social contact in both the DeTour Village and Drummond Island Communities. The people of the area possess a highly developed social commitment, work ethic and sense of community responsibility.

The rural location severely limits employment opportunities and program options for the area's small group of developmentally disabled adults. Once these citizens graduated from the school system, the programs available to them were located in cities at least sixty miles away. Transportation was a problem, and the work itself was generally not challenging (stuffing envelopes) nor profitable (35 cents per hour).

Then in 1996, an idea was born: A laundry and linen rental was closing, which had offered service to resorts and motels. A small group of community members met to discuss the possibility of purchasing the business, in order to provide local employment for these disabled citizens.

The positive impact of such a venture quickly became apparent as plans came to fruition. The laundry service is mutually beneficial to the community, and to the disabled citizens of the DeTour and Drummond area, including Cedarville, Goetzville, Hessel, Pickford and Raber. Non-profit status was granted in 1998, clientele including local resorts and cabins were acquired, five employees and a manager were hired, and the business was in full swing that season.

When WWUP-TV did a story on the Laundry in fall of 1999, public awareness was boosted. A community spirit of generosity prevailed. Local businesses chipped in gravel, lumber and other materials. In October, several hard working individuals volunteered their time and efforts to construct an addition to the building. The Laundry now has a brand new bathroom, and a new lagoon system! Laundry workers reported that they were grateful to be rid of the porta-potty!

Present...

Each employee gets two rest periods per day, plus a lunch hour. They are started at minimum wage. The work atmosphere is cheerful and productive. Best of all, the Laundry employees enjoy their work. They have a useful, indeed essential, place in the community. The business promises to grow, as more citizens inquire about employment, and more resorts begin to show an interest.

Future...

The Drummond Island Laundry is the only non-profit business of its kind in the Upper Peninsula. Thanks to many generous donations and support from Islanders and others, the Laundry has made great strides. However, it still struggles with funding issues and the old building is in need of repairs.

While some things must be overcome in order for the business to succeed, the Laundry has come a long way since its beginning. It appears that with the citizens of Drummond Island, anything is possible!