Unwanted Christmas presents? Hotel Sofitel Washington D.C. launches gift collection to benefit House of Ruth

Business Wire, Dec 22, 1995

WASHINGTON, D.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 22, 1995--Christmas will soon be over, but your spirit of giving is still needed!

Pack up those duplicate hat and scarf sets, "unreturnable" sweaters and "misfit toys" you may have received for the holidays, and bring them to the Hotel Sofitel Washington D.C., where new and unwanted gifts are being collected to benefit the House of Ruth.

House of Ruth is Washington's oldest and largest social service agency for women and children in crisis, helping them overcome their hardships and obtain lasting stability and independence. Throughout the year, and particularly during the holiday season, House of Ruth depends on volunteers and generous donors for clothing and household items. The organization is in particular need of: hat/glove/scarf/ear muff sets, socks, nightgowns, undergarments for women and children, slippers, toddler shoes and baby booties, snowsuits, diaper bags, toiletries, towels and wash cloths, sheets, blankets, books, puzzles, games and toys.

The Hotel Sofitel Washington D.C. will be collecting donations for House of Ruth from Tuesday, December 26 through Friday, January 12. In the spirit of giving, Sofitel is offering gift donors the chance to win a weekend stay at the hotel in exchange for the donation. Every Friday during the gift collection period, Sofitel will raffle 10 "Romantic Rendezvous" packages, which donors can enter to win by simply filling out a form at the hotel when they bring in their gift for the House of Ruth. "Romantic Rendezvous" recipients will receive a one-night stay (Friday or Saturday night) in a deluxe suite, with champagne and strawberries in-room upon arrival, two souvenir champagne glasses, breakfast in bed and late checkout.

"We are very pleased to offer our 'house' to the House of Ruth for this gift drive," said Tom Haufe, general manager of the Hotel Sofitel Washington D.C. "Our goal is to collect a veritable tower of gift donations for the House of Ruth, which does such important work and needs community support 12 months of the year, not just at Christmas. It is our hope that people will recognize this need and be generous with extra items they were given for the holidays."

The Hotel Sofitel Washington D.C. is located at 1914 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., near the fashionable "Embassy Row," and a short distance from Dupont Circle. For more information, contact the hotel directly at 202/797-2000.

CONTACT: Hotel Sofitel Washington D.C.

Catherine Fernandez, 202/797-2000

or

Laura Davidson Public Relations

Beth Walsh/Laura Davidson, 212/353-2169