There comes a time when each and every hotel within the Greater Washington DC Metro Area must replace their large supply of linen. There also comes a time when gently used no longer holds this description and its time to be sorted out and placed in another category—‘for discard only’. Strip and sort. For some, this may occur every 9 months. KEYS loved the rejects. The piles and bins of linen was cotton—the fabric of our lives.

This 100% cotton has a value in the world of recycling and it was gleaming revenue that could cover non-profit costs. KEYS started routinely picking up these stockpiles after a fascinating search for a local bailer that would prepare the quantities for sale in the textile recycling industry. The number of pick ups was far more than KEYS do alone.

The predicament was brilliantly resolved! Board member, Colette Marquez, Director of Operations of The Hay-Adams ‘gently moved’ our plan forward with O. Lee Gwaltney, Vice Pres. of Virginia Linen Service. As the leading supplier of laundry and linen service to our vast hospitality industry, the company was KEY in handling this special project.

With ingenuity and enthusiasm, the project was underway with VLS’s motto incentive, at a ‘price we (KEYS) could afford’. The brightly orange checkered trucks were approved for dispatch into donating their services out of need, to protect the environment while supporting the mission of KEYS. The routes were familiar, yet, the ‘change’ would be remarkable! In 2007, over 12,000lbs 0of saleable goods were collected rather than pitched for waste. We profit when we partner to SAVE our resources wisely. As a member of our Board of Directors, Lee’s professional corporate leadership is an outstanding contribution.

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www.hayadams.com
www.virginialinen.com