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Downtown Hotel Wants To 'Blanket Baltimore'

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The temperatures may not show it but winter is here and a downtown hotel is working to help those in need stay warm at this time of year.

Ron Matz has more on the plans to blanket Baltimore during the holidays.

Cold weather is just around the corner, so---for the second year---the Hyatt Regency downtown is collecting blankets for those in need.

"It's the second year we're doing `Hyatt Blankets Baltimore.' It's very important to the community that we all pitch in and make a difference," said Kevin Kennedy, Hyatt Regency. "We partnered with the Franciscan Center and gave out over 500 blankets last Tuesday and we're looking to partner next week with the McVet center to hand them out to veterans in need."

Nearly 700 blankets have been collected so far; some are going to McVet, an organization which helps Baltimore-area homeless veterans.

"McVet is the Maryland Center for Veterans' Education and Training. We've been open for 21 years and in 21 years, we've provided comprehensive services for homeless military veterans," said Jeffery Kendrick, McVet's executive director. "In 21 years, we've had over 9,000 veterans come through our doors, men and women who have been homeless but by the time they leave our two-year program, they end up with employment and a key to go into their own house."

You can win two tickets to the WWE at the Royal Farms Arena with a blanket donation.

"There are many people who are less fortunate than ourselves. They are in need so the `Blanket Baltimore' drive is to collect 1,000 blankets by the end of the year and donate them to various organizations," Kennedy said.

A chance to warm up the community, one blanket at a time.

"There are people who are still on the streets who need this type of service. It's very commendable the Hyatt would get behind such a well-thought out effort. McVet is glad to lend any support we can," Kendrick said. "Last year, we gave out over 300 blankets from January through the end of February."

Three hundred blankets are still needed. You can drop them off at the Hyatt lobby or leave them with the bellman at the Charles Street entrance.

"Last year was a complete success. This year is a complete success. Many organizations have pitched in---organizations like Visit Baltimore, the Ravens and many other companies. We're confident we're going to reach our goal," Kennedy said.

Blankets can also be purchased at Target and shipped at no additional cost. The Hyatt Regency blanket drive continues through New Year's Day.

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