The Rev. Leroy Cole and members of the Covington Baptist Association want to ask, “Are you washed?”

No, they’re not talking about being baptized, but they’ll help with that if needed.

Instead, the group will utilize its disaster relief laundry unit at Southside Baptist Church in Andalusia as a mock disaster drill, while offering free laundry service to the community.

“It sounds funny, I know, but the day’s purpose is two-fold,” Cole said. “One, we get to put our unit into action, and two, we get to use the day to minister to the community, give folks a chance to come out and just enjoy some good company.”

Cole said the unit is specially designed with three washing machines and four dryers and was purchased by the CBA after Hurricane Ivan. It is the only one of its kind in the state. And aside from two brief uses after the Kansas floods and a construction mission trip in Mississippi, the unit has never been used in a local disaster situation.

“It’s funny,” Cole said. “We bought this thing, and we haven’t had a need for it. I hope that’s a good sign, but I know our time is coming.”

Cole said all laundry supplies will be provided, and there is no cost to participate. The event will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. A refreshment tent will be available, as well.

“We want to put this thing into full operation,” Cole said. “What better way to do that than to open it up to the community?”

Cole said wash times are set on a 30-minute block on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“All you need to do is show up with your laundry,” he said. “If there’s no one behind you, you can wash until you’re finished.”