Choice Hotels International is donating up to 1,250 free hotel nights to the American Red Cross and Boys & Girls Clubs of America to assist first responders, volunteers and families displaced by recent natural disasters including Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
"Our thoughts go out to all those affected by these devastating natural disasters. The hospitality industry is doing its part to monitor these storms, as well as support recovery efforts," Pat Pacious, president, COO and incoming CEO of Choice Hotels, said in a statement. "We've been partnering with the American Red Cross and Boys & Girls Clubs of America for years and have seen the positive impact that they have on communities to provide critical, hands-on support to the disaster victims. We are also grateful to the many individual Choice Hotels properties across the country who are leading their own fundraising and relief initiatives, as well as the donations from our Choice Privileges loyalty members."
Choice Hotels is also providing more avenues for travelers to donate money to support relief efforts. Members of the Choice Privileges loyalty program can use points to contribute to the American Red Cross. As of today, loyalty members have donated more than $250,000 by converting their Choice Privileges points into cash donations.
Out of the more than 5,400 hotels in the United States, Choice Hotels has more than 130 hotels in the Hurricane Harvey impact area, and nearly all are currently operating. In Florida and the Caribbean, Choice Hotels has approximately 275 hotels, the majority of which are also operating.
The company and its vendor partners are donating blankets and basic necessities for victims, such as toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant and shaving kits. The toiletries were assembled into "comfort kits" by employees at the company's Rockville, Md., headquarters, and will be shipped to affected areas along with 1,000 blankets for immediate distribution.