Marriott International today
donated more than 2,000 sheets, blankets and pillowcases to more than 25
local nonprofit organizations. The event launched a worldwide donation
program, “Marriott’s Linen Bank,” as the company upgrades its 628,000 beds
at 2,400 hotels around the world with a new, more luxurious look and feel. “It’s a great feeling to know that the linens we’re replacing at our
hotels, in conjunction with our owners and franchisees, will be put to
good use by local nonprofit organizations,” said chairman and CEO J.W.
“Bill” Marriott, Jr. “We’re also happy that this program supports the
‘reduce, recycle and reuse’ philosophy that is part of our company’s
global environmental practices.”

The freshly laundered linens were packaged and distributed by Marriott
Headquarters employees and executives, including Mr. Marriott, as part of
the 7th annual Spirit To Serve Our Communities Day, the company’s global
day of volunteer service.

“We’re thrilled to receive these high-quality linens for the 150 beds we
have in our four houses and shelters for women and their families,” said
Christel Nichols, president of House of Ruth in Washington, D.C. “We’ll
put the rest to excellent use in our sewing and craft classes.”

To request linens as they become available throughout the year, non-profit
organizations can link to http://www.marriottdonations.com/, courtesy of
United Way of America’s online tool called United eWay, or register online
with Gifts in Kind International at http://www.giftsinkind.org/.
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