New York Marriott Marquis Participates in Operation Backpack

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Aug 29, 2012) - The first day of school can be nerve-wracking for any kid, but for nearly 11,000 school-age children in New York City shelters, having the basics can mean the difference between getting an education and not. Through Operation Backpack, the New York Marriott Marquis, a hotel in Times Square, was able to supply more than 445 students with back-to-school supplies during this year's backpack drive, exceeding its goal by more than 100 backpacks.

This New York Theater District hotel participates in Operation Backpack every year, and this year it rallied staff once again to donate backpacks with school supplies between July 1 and August 1, 2012. Departments were responsible for pre-kindergarten or first- through fourth-grade students. In 2011, Operation Backpack set a new record, collecting and distributing 8,000 new, filled backpacks, and the efforts of the New York Marriott Marquis was happy to play its part.

Operation Backpack, run by Volunteers of America, aims to help children in the homeless and domestic violence shelter system by supplying them with new backpacks and school supplies each September. It relies on the help of businesses such as this NYC hotel and individuals. To learn more about the organization, visit www.voa-gny.org/Get-Involved/Operation-Backpack.

The generosity of this hotel's staff extends beyond volunteer efforts and into the everyday guest experience. At this Times Square hotel you'll find a friendly and eager-to-please staff, breathtaking views, hotel deals in New York City, top restaurants, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a theater with top-bill productions, modern and elegant meeting and event space, and relaxing accommodations.

About the New York Marriott Marquis
Just because you want to be in the center of it all doesn't mean you have to sacrifice peace of mind. At the New York Marriott Marquis, you may be in the heart of Times Square, but a relaxing retreat is just an elevator ride away. Those wanting to explore the city's iconic attractions will appreciate being within walking distance of Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, Broadway theaters and high-end shopping on Fifth and Madison avenues. The hotel's very own Marquis Theatre also features hit productions, while THE RIDE offers a different way to experience the city in a super-sized, technology-driven vehicle that travels a different 4.2-mile route every time. Accommodations at this midtown Manhattan hotel offer luxurious marble bathrooms, a relaxing Revive bedding package and Internet access. Concierge-level rooms include lounge access with breakfast and evening refreshments. If you want to make the most of this hotel's prime location, work out at this hotel's 4,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art fitness center or enjoy light bites and televised sporting events at the Broadway Lounge; both overlook Times Square. For a panoramic city view, this hotel offers Manhattan's only revolving restaurant, The View Restaurant & Lounge, while you'll find great food and drinks throughout the day at the Crossroads American Kitchen & Bar. Business-friendly amenities include a 24-hour business center and more than 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space.