Amtrak Donates Over 100,000 Essentials to People in Need

WASHINGTON – Amtrak has partnered with Delivering Good to donate 119,596 individual items, including bedding, towels and linens to local organizations that help those in need. Delivering Good strives to create a more equitable world where people facing economic, medical, social and environmental challenges have useful items needed to overcome adversity and achieve their full potential. With donations stemming from Seattle, Oakland, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Miami, the Amtrak-Delivering Good partnership has had a national impact.

The donation follows an upgrade to Amtrak’s private room experience with new bedding, pillows, towels, and linens for overnight trains now included in all private rooms. With 1.5 million tons of towels, sheets and pillowcases generated in 2018, but only 15.8% recycled (The EPA), Amtrak’s goal was to divert waste from landfills and instead make them available to people in need.

“For those facing poverty, homelessness, job loss and more, the gift of new, essential products can provide hope, dignity and self-esteem,” said Merrie Keller, Director of Product Procurement, at Delivering Good. “As we aim to create a world of greater and more sustainable equality and opportunity for all who live in it, we would like to thank Amtrak for helping those in need to find a better tomorrow.”

“Since its inception, Amtrak has always prioritized supporting local communities and our environment,” said Roger Harris, EVP of marketing and revenue at Amtrak. “We are proud to partner with Delivering Good to reduce waste while contributing in ways that benefit those who need it most.”

Delivering Good unites retailers, manufacturers, foundations, and individuals to provide people impacted by poverty and tragedy with new merchandise, effectively distributed through a network of agency partners to offer hope, dignity and self-esteem to at-risk children, families and individuals. Merchandise is donated from companies that make or market the goods, and through their network of community nonprofit partners.

Since 1985, Delivering Good has helped millions of kids, adults and families affected by poverty and disaster, with over $2 billion of donated products distributed to people in need. For more information on Delivering Good, please visit Delivering-Good.org and follow @DeliveringGood on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.