CHARLOTTE, NC--(Marketwired - Oct 16, 2013) - The holidays are a special time for families around the globe, and while many children wait excitedly for the day they can open gifts, there are millions of those for whom there are none to open. Since 1993, Samaritan's Purse International Relief has held Operation Christmas Child, collecting and distributing shoebox gifts to more than 100 million boys and girls in more than 130 different countries. The TownePlace Suites Charlotte Arrowood offers a location less than a mile from the distribution center, making it easy for volunteers to get to the site and for guests to donate their own shoebox gift.

Samaritan's Purse International Relief, within walking distance of these Charlotte Marriott hotel suites, will collect shoebox gifts from around the country from November 18^th through the 25^th. Gifts begin with a standard shoebox or small plastic container, in which donators put a variety of gifts including one item that can be enjoyed immediately such as a doll, stuffed toy, ball, yo-yo, kazoo, jump rope or toy car.

Not all gifts in the box need to be playthings; the organization recommends including other items such as school supplies (pens, pencils, crayons, writing pads, coloring books); hygiene items (toothbrush, comb, washcloth); and clothing and accessories (t-shirts, socks, sunglasses, hair clips, hats). Donators can also include a note with a photograph of themselves or their family; many who include their name and address receive a letter from the child who receives the gift.

To play its part in making a change in children's lives, this Bank of America Stadium hotel is offering special room rates for volunteers who request the Operation Christmas Child rate upon booking. The hotel is less than a mile from the distribution center, so volunteers can walk and guests who are inclined to get involved can drop off their shoebox gifts directly to the organization.

This Charlotte, NC hotel offers studio and two-bedroom suite accommodations with a full kitchen and complimentary Internet access. Volunteers can head to work fully charged with a complimentary breakfast in the dining area each morning, and then pick up snacks from the 24-hour market for the day ahead.

Those looking to book groups of eight or more can contact Danielle Coufal, director of sales, at 704-227-2000. For more information about Operation Christmas Child, visit www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/.

About the TownePlace Suites Charlotte Arrowood
When it comes to making extended stays extensively fun, TownePlace Suites Charlotte Arrowood has all the right features. Located near attractions such as the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Billy Graham Library and the Carowinds theme park, visitors of every inclination will have easy access to distinctive destinations. And when it's time to work or relax, guests of this Charlotte, NC hotel near Carowinds will find everything they need in the hotel's spacious studio and one- and two-bedroom suites. Gracious kitchens (replete with appliances and tableware), new LCD televisions and inviting bedding create the perfect setting to unwind. Spacious workstations with ergonomic chairs encourage productivity, and complimentary amenities like Internet and breakfast, as well as a fitness center, pool and laundry facilities, make this a value-added choice for groups, families and everyone in between.