Hotel in Bentonville, Arkansas Makes Sure Christmas Comes Early for Hospitalized Children

BENTONVILLE, AR--(Marketwired - Dec 23, 2014) - This holiday season will be a little happier -- and a little cozier -- for hospitalized children in Arkansas. That's because the TownePlace Suites Bentonville Rogers recently donated 51 handmade blankets to kids at the Arkansas Children's Hospital, and to families at the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Hospital in Rogers. Not only are the gifts coming in handy during the chilliest time of the year, but they demonstrate a generosity of spirit that makes everyone feel a little warmer. 

Getting into the holiday spirit is something everyone at this hotel in Bentonville, AR takes seriously. Where some people count a few hours or an entire day as enough giving back, associates at this hotel devoted multiple days to their goal of helping sick children by fundraising, crafting blankets and then delivering everything themselves. The Staff at the hotel is most grateful as many of their generous guests also made donations, helping to ensure the efforts were hugely successful.

It all started last year when the hotel raised enough money to make 14 blankets for hospitalized kids. This year, the staff set a goal of being able to make 20. After several fundraising efforts -- including a bake sale -- the team put its $450 toward purchasing materials for 51 blankets.

From there, associates regularly congregated in the hotel's meeting room to make the blankets. The impressive results were stacked in front of the hotel's Christmas tree before being distributed. The hotel partnered with Enterprise Rent-A-Car at the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport to rent a steeply-discounted SUV, which they then used to make the 3.5-hour drive to the Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock to deliver 40 blankets. They donated another 10 to the Ronald McDonald House at the Mercy Hospital in Rogers. And when a family who had recently been at the children's hospital stayed at this hotel near Rogers, AR, the staff made sure they left with one of the blankets, too.

While the property may be best known for offering its guests some of the finest service and hotel deals in Rogers, AR, its philanthropic work exemplifies its equally important commitment to its community. "During our children's hospital tour in Little Rock, we saw areas that really opened our eyes and touched our hearts," observes General Manager Laura Orr.

These spaces -- including the NICU and the roof where the Angel One helicopter lands when transporting children -- may just be the inspiration the hotel needs to make even more blankets next year.

About the TownePlace Suites Bentonville Rogers
The TownePlace Suites Bentonville Rogers makes sure its guests feel right at home by offering a winning combination of service, convenience and style. Situated near the Wal-Mart Headquarters and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the hotel's location is ideal for both leisure and business travelers. And its amenities are equally appealing. The recently renovated property features 78 suites outfitted with full kitchens, flat-screen televisions, DVD players and design perks like hardwood floors and marble countertops. Plus visitors are treated to free daily breakfasts, complimentary high-speed Internet access throughout the hotel and access to the heated indoor pool and fitness center. And the 180-square-foot meeting room ensures there's even space for meetings.