MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- (Marketwire) -- 11/28/12 -- In a special salute to veterans during the month of November, AmericInn hotels around the country prepared and donated thousands of gift items to military families as part of a company-wide initiative called "Celebrating Our Hometown Heroes." Gift boxes containing toys, games and family fun activities were prepared at special events commemorating Veterans Day and delivered to military families in many communities where AmericInn hotels are located.

"We are pleased to honor the service of military members by demonstrating appreciation to their strong and courageous families who also experience many challenges related to their service," said Paul Kirwin, president and CEO of AmericInn. "Concern for the well-being of their families is often the top priority for active members of the military services," he added.

In many communities across the country, AmericInn employees and managers were joined by citizen volunteers, students, veterans, church groups, retirees and employees of other businesses to prepare the gift packages. Local chapters of Blue Star Mothers, a national military support organization, also joined in several of the special events. The gift packages contained such items as toys, teddy bears, games and donated gift merchandise.

Stuffing teddy bears was a popular activity at the events. In Wahpeton, North Dakota, the AmericInn employee team and volunteers created 220 bears and 220 gift bags which was the total number of military members in the community. The AmericInn in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, organized an event where 300 bears where stuffed and gift bags were filled with board games, DVD movies and other family fun activities.

"The reason we do this is what makes it easy," said Kathy Hage, general manager of the AmericInn in St. Cloud, Minnesota. "Each year, more and more staff are involved. It's an incredibly great project," she added.

"Celebrating Our Hometown Heroes," is part of an on-going national commitment by AmericInn to support members of the military and their families. During the past several years the company has sponsored a variety of military support initiatives including preparing and shipping thousands of care packages to military troops stationed overseas.

The company offers a national discount on room rates to active duty and retired members of the military and their dependents. They can receive this discount by requesting the AmericInn Military Rate (rate code: MIL) when they make their reservation at a hotel, AmericInn.com or by calling the toll-free number: 800-634-3444. A military I.D. is also required at check-in. Customers can also support the military by donating AmericInn Easy Rewards points to the "Hotels For Heroes" program which provides free hotel stays for wounded U.S. troops and their families while they are receiving treatment.

AmericInn has been honored by the Department of Defense with two awards -- the "Seven Seals Award" and the "Above and Beyond Award"-- for its support of the military.

About AmericInn
AmericInn® is a mid-scale hotel chain with 250 locations currently open or under development in 24 states.

AmericInn is currently in the midst of an ambitious, $75 million, system-wide renovation initiative, creating a fresh, updated look and feel in all locations through contemporary new guest room furnishings, fixtures and related improvements. The three-year initiative, called "AmericInn Refresh," represents a new look for the future of the AmericInn brand, incorporating such elements as 32" flat screen televisions, new cozy Serta Perfect Sleeper® beds, furniture, draperies, artwork and contemporary interior paint schemes. AmericInn Refresh, which was launched in 2011, is expected to be completed at the end of 2013. It is the largest product improvement initiative in company history. AmericInn is franchised by Northcott Hospitality, owner and developer of successful franchised hospitality brands for more than 50 years. For more information on franchise opportunities, visit www.AmericInnDream.com or call 1-866-337-6082. For reservations visit www.AmericInn.com or call 1-800-634-3444.