Hyatt Regency 'Blanketing Baltimore' During The Holidays
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It's that time of year in Charm City when many agencies are overwhelmed trying to help those in need. Hundreds of people line up each day for a hot meal or a place to stay.
Ron Matz reports that's why one local hotel is blanketing Baltimore during the holidays.
The streets of Baltimore can be cold during the winter. That's why the Hyatt Regency is trying to help, collecting new blankets for the needy.
"At the Hyatt, we want to make a difference in people's lives and the community we live in. Our team members came up with 'Blanket Baltimore.' Our goal is to come up with 800 blankets, which is the equivalent of how many beds we have in the hotel," said Kevin Kennedy, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Baltimore.
"We are partnering with the Franciscan Center and MCVET. We'll give our donations to them. Target has come on board as a gracious sponsor as well," he continued.
More than 200 blankets have been received so far. Some will be distributed by MCVET, which helps homeless veterans.
"We're a nonprofit organization. We provide rehabilitation services for homeless military veterans. We serve over 400 meals a day. We have 250 beds. We have about 200 vets who are housed with us right now," said Jeff Kendrick, executive director of MCVET on N. High Street.
"We have a lot of veterans and homeless individuals who come through our doors. So to be able to give them blankets as they leave if they decide not to stay at our facility is a tremendous thing. We're very appreciate of that," he continued.
Target is one of the partners.
"It's a great cause. Being born and raised in Baltimore, it was a natural fit. It's part of Target's commitment to give $4 million a week to charity," said Matt Boylan of Target Canton.
Charities like the Franciscan Center, which helps more than 600 needy people every day will be receiving blankets, too.
"The Franciscan Center has been in Baltimore City since 1968. We serve the needs of the poor and homeless. We have people who come to us who need these blankets. We serve 600 to 700 people every day. These blankets are going to go a long way for the folks who come to the center," said Christian Metzger, executive director of the Franciscan Center.
You can even drive up to the Hyatt's entrance and drop off a blanket at the front desk.
"You can swing by the hotel and just drop off your brand new blanket that you purchased, swing in our driveway and give it to the doorman and we'll take it in and make sure it gets donated," said Kennedy.
Target is providing free shipping for blankets purchased for the "Blanket Baltimore" campaign.
"We are including free shipping for blankets purchased at Target for the Hyatt campaign. It's throughout the holiday season," Boylan said.
The "Blanket Baltimore" effort continues through New Years Eve. For more information on how you can help, click here.
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