Women's Marchers Donated Thousands of Metro Cards to the Poor in DC: Report

WASHINGTON, DC — The Women's March on Washington will end up benefiting many local Washingtonians, as more than 10,000 visitors have donated their Metro fare cards to local charities instead of throwing them away, according to a report.

An estimated half a million people marched on Washington for women's march on Jan. 21, the day after the inauguration of President Trump. The Washington Post reports that a Maryland woman named Hilary Moore Hebert who participated in the march came up with the idea to donate leftover SmarTrip cards, which cost $2 per card with $8 preloaded.

Hebert reached out to a friend to find out if cards with a remaining balance could be returned to her, and that turned into a Facebook group that blew up as people realized a golden opportunity to help those in need.

So far, 10,000 cards have been donated to Martha's Table, a D.C. charity, and Hebert told the Post she continues to receive 1,000 each week in the mail.

The small amount left on the Metro card may seem trivial to some, but it's a big deal for many who depend on the Metro system to get to and from work. Even a little bit of extra value can help a lot, and it also saves those in need from having to purchase a card if they need one.

Martha's Table is a well-regarded charity in D.C. More than 35 years ago, the charity was founded to "reate a safe place for children to eat and read after school," according to the organization's website. Martha's Table now deals with emergency needs like food and clothing, and it also provides education and family support services. It has around 16,000 volunteers.

Image via Women's March on Washington