Car Wash With a Community Conscience

A car wash isn't a necessity, it's a nicety. But nothing beats a car that sparkles, even when you're on a low budget.

And no one is on a tighter budget than the unemployed. This is why our Frugal Family choice of the week is . Their marquee lured us in, even as it made us smile:

A free wash this week for anyone who is unemployed.

If you're jobless, the least of your worries may be a dirty car, but it's nice to know the community cares. And that's the point, said Mike Sheehan, a co-owner. He tries to make his weekly specials focused on different communities. A few weeks ago, the free wash went to drivers with red hair. This week, it's the unemployed.

Every day, meanwhile, he offers a daily special. On Tuesday, it's "Turd Tuesday," a few bucks off for anyone with bird poop on their car, he explained.

"A Clean Car is a Happy Car" is the Friendly motto. The washes cost from $10 for basic, to $17 for the works.

What's not to smile about?