Ponder's Cleaners COVID Relief

Ponder’s 60 Minutes Cleaners has been a staple in the southwest community of Atlanta for over 50 years. It is one of the oldest minority owned businesses in the city. Margaret Ponder became owner and proprietor after winning an auction for the property and securing a loan from the Small Business Administration in 1970. Mrs. Ponder was an exceptional dry cleaning woman who specialized in special garments (i.e. silks, sequined, linens, designer knits, etc.). The cleaners was not only a place to come to get your clothes cleaned and pressed but served as a beacon of hope for all who entered. Mrs. Ponder offered spiritual guidance, prayers, and gospel tracks and demonstrated the love of Christ with every encounter. Upon her death, the reigns passed to her oldest son, Roderick Ponder, who has maintained the legacy of superior dry cleaning work. He, like his mother, offers advice, humor and spiritual encouragement along with quality cleaning. All 6 of Mrs. Ponder’s children along with her sister, Mrs. Marian Dorsey, have served time at the cleaners along with her grandchildren. This has truly been a family affair where the family jokingly have referred to the cleaners as Ponder’s 60 Minute Cleaners and Daycare. The business has struggled over the years with a shift in clientele and lower demand of its’ services. Equipment updates and repairs along with operational expenses have exhausted their funds. COVID-19, which has exacerbated that struggle, has left them with few options to stay viable. Having applied for and receiving minimum funding from the Paycheck Protection Program and having been denied for operational loans, Ponders’ is weighing its’ options and ability to stay open. This fund will be used to support the sustainability of Ponder’s 60 Minutes Cleaners. The funds will be used to help pay off debts, upgrade equipment, purchase much needed supplies and upgrade its’ operational capacity. Thank you for your support.