Johnson City hotels presented hundreds of toys and blankets to two local agencies last Wednesday morning. The presentation was the culmination of the fifth Hotels with Heart campaign.
In just two weeks, eight hotels collected more than 300 items for Isaiah 117 House and Haven of Mercy Ministries, both agencies serve children in need across the region. Hoteliers asked staff, guests and community members to participate in the campaign by donating items between Dec. 1 and Dec. 15.
“We wanted to give back to the community we serve,” said Hampton Inn General Manager, Kyle St. Clair. “It’s not just renting rooms, it goes beyond that, we like to participate and help our community.”
Representatives from Haven of Mercy Ministries said the toys were desperately needed since they were short on donations this year. Haven of Mercy will distribute toys and blankets at its annual Christmas meal. Representatives from Isaiah 117 House said this drive will help around 20 foster children in their program.
Previous Hotels with Heart campaigns have collected more than 1,500 items for the homeless and veterans but this year, hoteliers wanted to do something different and collect items for children. Carnegie Hotel, Doubletree by Hilton, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn and Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton Inn and Baymont Inns and Suites all participated in the drive.
