Business Donates Home Cleanings to Women With Cancer

A business is hoping to provide a bit of sunshine to area women with cancer by donating free house cleanings.

The Maids of New Lenox, a franchised cleaning service, has partnered with the national non-profit Cleaning for a Reason, which helps provide free home cleanings.

“Cleaning your home is definitely not a priority when facing the havoc that cancer brings into someone’s life," owner Jim Duffek said. "We felt this simple gift of a clean home would brighten someone’s day and give them joy.”  

Women may apply through the Cleaning for a Reason website, or their doctor may refer them to the program, which then matches patients to nearby partners, in this case Maids of New Lenox.

Before buying the franchise, Duffek was a project manager and representative for a tool manufacturer. His wife, Cathy, who also works with the franchise, also still works as a legal assistant in Chicago. 

"Since we opened, we talked to other franchisers and many already participated in this program," Duffek said. "We were looking for a vehicle to give back to the community and they suggested this. We’ve always been involved parents and tried to give something back."

The Maids of New Lenox serves Joliet, Lockport, New Lenox, Mokena, Frankfort and Tinley Park. The service provides cleanings to two women at a time, and they may receive one free cleaning a month for four months.

So far, Maids of New Lenox has helped two women: one from Frankfort and one from Tinley Park. 

"They were very appreciative," Duffek said. "They can come home and relax and not worry what they have to do next to keep the family up. It’s one less thing on their minds."