ALEXANDRIA, VA--(Marketwire - Dec 17, 2012) - Celebrating the holidays with friends and family can be a joyful and wondrous time of year, but for some the excitement of Santa, spinning of the dreidel or lighting a candle on the Chanukah are blunt reminders of their misfortunes and the constant struggle to maintain even the simplest of life's necessities. In respect of those struggling with joys of the holiday season, one of the premier Alexandria, VA hotels is calling on its own "spirit to serve" by joining forces with the local Carpenter's Shelter to help those most in need.

Along with planning many holiday activities for employees, the Courtyard Alexandria Pentagon South is also putting an emphasis on "giving back" to the community by hosting a food drive for the Carpenter's Shelter which "supports the homeless achieve sustainable independence through shelter, guidance, education and advocacy." Serving more than 1,000 homeless and formerly homeless children and adults each year, Carpenter's Shelter is the largest homeless shelter in Northern Virginia. Its services include aiding the chronically homeless and shelter residents through transition into independent living and helping to empower clients to address the issues that led them to their situation. Carpenter's Shelter also offers the tools necessary to achieve lasting independence with a 90 percent success rate among those who complete the program.

The Beauregard Rd Alexandria hotel's team commitment to the Carpenter's Shelter is a reflection of its ongoing dedication to local charities. The Courtyard Alexandria Pentagon South and its management team, Hersha Hospitality Management (HHM), this year also supported and volunteered at A Wider Circle, based in Silver Spring, MD and Washington, DC's Martha's Table.

One of Hersha's core values states "We support and develop our internal communities by promoting a diverse workforce, fairness, respect and by seeking to incorporate the voices and experiences of all into our company." This prominent Alexandria, VA accommodation gives back to their external communities by supporting the spirit to serve and continuing their tradition of philanthropy and community involvement.

In serving as an official drop off point for the collection of donations, the Courtyard Alexandria is encouraging others to join with them now through Dec. 20, 2012 in collecting items such as coffee and tea, cereal, raw sugar, honey, whole wheat flour, jelly, powdered juice mix, 100% pure juice, individually packaged low fat children's snacks, low fat salad dressing and juice boxes. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also welcomed close to the end date. All donations may be placed next to the Christmas tree, located on the left side of the lobby upon entering the hotel at 4641 Kenmore Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304.

About the Courtyard Alexandria Pentagon South

The Courtyard Alexandria Pentagon South is a distinctive lodging conveniently located near the Pentagon, White House and the United States Capitol. Welcoming guests with a contemporary atmosphere, comfortable accommodations and attentive service, the hotel is also near many national monuments, and just minutes from historic Old Town Alexandria. On-site dining at the Courtyard's Alexandria, VA restaurant, free high-speed Internet access and complimentary shuttle service to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), the new BRAC-133 DOD building and Pentagon City Metro Station are just a few of the gracious services that make the Courtyard an ideal Alexandria destination whether traveling to the Washington, DC area for business or leisure.