Cruise Industry Donates Money To Help Local Children

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Some big money is going to help local kids.

Mike Hellgren reports on how the cruise industry is giving back to Baltimore.

Baltimore's successful cruise industry serves more than a quarter of a million passengers every year, bringing in $90 million to the local economy. Now, the cruise lines are writing some big checks: $50,000 to three foundations.

"This is a big part of the commitment that we have to our port communities where we do business and that serve our customers," said Christine Duffy, president of Cruise Lines International Association.

"Our children are the living messages we send to a future we'll never see," said Congressman Elijah Cummings.

Congressman Elijah Cummings praised the donations to the Dundalk Youth Service Center, the Maritime Industries Academy and the Youth Program in Israel.

"So many of these children have never been outside Baltimore and when they go and come back, it's phenomenal," Cummings said.

"We support young people throughout the entire Baltimore region---high school students who want to do something with their lives, who want to be exceptional young leaders," said Jason Fair, Youth Program in Israel.

It's a powerful investment in the future, and as the cruise business grows in Baltimore, industry leaders say they will continue to donate here.

The charitable organization is made up of various cruise lines and travel agents. The money will start helping kids right away.

Last year, 105 cruises embarked from the Port of Baltimore.