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Community Corner

Zengeler Cleaners Donations Make a Difference in the Community

Time, money and manpower included in contributions from local cleaner

Northbrook, IL, August 14, 2012:  Zengeler Cleaners celebrated 155 years of service in northern Illinois this year – quite an accomplishment for a family-owned business.  One constant in the Zengeler operation for the last century and a half is a rich history of giving back to the community.  Illinois’ largest dry cleaner donated time, money and manpower to dozens of local organizations so far this year.  The contributions have added up to thousands of dollars of cash and many, many times that in donated cleaning services.

“Supporting activities and events in local communities has been a Zengeler family tradition since the company was founded in 1857,” according to Tom Zengeler, President of the Midwest’s oldest and largest cleaner. “My great-great grandfather believed companies like ours were in partnership with their communities.  A true partnership includes support for community organizations that provide services to our youth, the elderly and the arts – services that are often the lifeblood of towns and villages where our customers, employees and family live and work.”

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Zengeler Cleaners’ support goes to a wide variety of organizations representing a cross section of the community.  In addition to the categories mentioned above, other examples include support for women’s shelters, social services, community activities sponsored by faith-based organizations and athletic programs for girls and boy of all ages.

Another objective of Zengeler Cleaner’s approach is to support worthy causes in each of the eight communities where their stores are located.  “Every town is different, every town has needs,” said Zengeler.  “We make it a point to identify projects, organizations and activities where our help can make a difference, then work closely to provide the best possible support.

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One reason contributions from Zengeler Cleaners make such a difference in the community is the family’s approach to donations.  “We understand that a “one-size-fits-all’ approach just isn’t practical,” continued Zengeler.  “Instead, we try to tailor our donations based on the unique needs of each organization.  Sometimes, that means we provide labor and services; other times, it means financial support.  Either way, we try to forge the most effective partnerships possible.”

Zengeler Cleaner’s “signature project” is its annual support for the Glass Slipper Project, a Chicagoland organization that turns prom dreams into reality for high school women who otherwise could not afford such an experience.  Zengeler Cleaners has collected nearly 20,000 dresses since the partnership began in 1999 and has already “signed on” for 2013.

For more information about community involvement at Zengeler Cleaners, contact Tom Zengeler, President, at (847) 272-6550, ext. 14 . . . or visit Zengeler Cleaners’ at www.zengelercleaners.com.  Zengeler Cleaners . . . America's First Family of Dry Cleaning™, with locations in Northbrook, Winnetka, Deerfield, Northfield, Hubbard Woods, Long Grove and two stores in Libertyville.

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