By Paula Mulrooney, Photo Editor
Pandemic struck the United States, affecting especially healthcare workers and first responders in the front line of defense. As the number of cases increases, many of the workers face far more risks for COVID-19 as well as physical and mental exhaustion.
Fighting on the line of defense has brought locals and many other companies to give benefits to healthcare workers and first responders. In many states' workers are eligible for benefits if they contract COVID-19 while at work.
Many businesses that provide certain benefits to these workers have either donations as well as free coffee from several coffee businesses or discounted prices.
"I am inspired by our Starbucks store partners around the world who proudly wear the green apron and who are rising to the occasion. They demonstrate our resilience and our commitment to the communities we serve," Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson said in a letter written to customers.
The Tropical Smoothie Cafe donated over 100,000 smoothies to healthcare workers and first responders across the nation. Coffee businesses such as Starbucks, Cumberland Farms, Wawa, and Circle K are offering free iced or hot coffee for workers with valid ID. However, each company has different time offers. Uber is offering free meals and discounted rides to over 25,000 healthcare workers. Also, Crocs is offering a free pair of crocs to healthcare workers.
“As a people-first company, we are dedicated to being there for our communities when they need us most. Our associates, first responders and healthcare professionals are working extra-long hours to take care of our communities and we want to do our part to take care of them,” the store company, Winn-Dixie said. “Beginning Monday, March 30, all of our stores will remain open from 8 to 9 p.m. every Monday and Tuesday to allow these community heroes the opportunity to stock up on fresh food and essential items. We request that our customers be respectful of this time devoted to our frontline warriors.”
Grocery stores across the country have given healthcare workers and first responders an hour aside for shopping. Specifically, all Winn-Dixie stores will remain open from 8 P.M. to 9 P.M. on Mondays and Tuesdays, exclusively for healthcare providers, firefighters, fire rescue workers and members of law enforcement.
“I get pretty scared especially since her hospital has run out of masks, along with wipes to sanitize the x-ray tubes they use so the hospital itself isn’t doing much to prevent the spread of the virus. But overall I think it’s amazing how many companies have been extending benefits towards those in the medical field, and she herself is very appreciative as well,” said senior Alexis Aguilera.
Many view these workers as brave warriors and must be rewarded for risking their life and working long shifts to help those in need. The task of a healthcare worker and first responder isn’t the easiest and takes lots of courage to come to work prepared for this unknown virus that may affect them and their families. As a community, people need to take the time to thank their local law enforcement, first responders, and healthcare workers for their efforts in this pandemic.
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