First and foremost, I want to start by saying “thank you”. I know that many individuals and families are sacrificing in painful and difficult ways right now. My husband is a doctor and we’ve had a lot of really hard experiences in the last month. We live in an area that has not been entirely overwhelmed by COVID-19, but my husband has still had many patients test positive. There is a lot of physical, mental, and emotional weight placed on the shoulders of our healthcare workers right now. I wanted to take this chance to put together a post with ways that each of us can safely and effectively thank our healthcare workers.
Simple Ways to Thank Healthcare Workers
- The absolute most important way to say “thank you” is to STAY AT HOME. We frequently go out on walks, picnics, and to hike, but try to limit grocery shopping to once every two weeks. We also use the pickup option instead of going to the store, as much as possible. Walmart and Target both have free pickup options. With the increased usage of these programs, it’s hard to schedule a pickup time, especially for Walmart. If I can’t find a spot, they open at midnight, so I’ll stay up to place a pickup order.
- As much as possible, avoid purchasing and using medical grade personal protective equipment (PPE). For those who aren’t working with patients in a confined, hospital setting, making a mask for yourself when you are in public is a great alternative. Here’s a tutorial, by a friend of mine, teaching how to make no-sew mask from a t-shirt.
- Consider purchasing, coordinating, and safely delivering meals from local bakeries and restaurants to healthcare workers. Combine forces with family, neighbors, and friends to buy more meals. If you don’t have a friend or family member that works at a hospital, you can call different departments to organize this service.
- Make a sign to say “thank you” and post it in your window at home or in a photo on social media.
- Hang a red bow on your front door or mail box, as a thank you to front line healthcare workers.
- Do some research to see what brands are offering free products or services to healthcare heroes. Here’s a list of some of the brands I’ve found that are supporting front line healthcare heroes.
Brands Offering Products to Healthcare Workers
Masks for Heroes is connecting healthcare workers in need of PPE with necessary resources
Crocs is offering a free pair of shoes to healthcare workers; giveaways run every day at 12 PM
Allbirds is offering a buy a pair, give a pair program
Costco is offering priority access to healthcare workers and first responders; need to show Costco membership card and employee ID to enter the warehouse without standing in line.
Training Mate is offering a month of free online workouts for doctors and nurses
Donate to Slice Out Hunger who is delivering pizza to healthcare workers
Taudrey Jewelry is sending Thank You packages to nominated heroes; details on their Instagram post.
Sweet Green is sending fresh salads and bowls to nominated hospitals
RealGood Foods Co. is sending care packages to nominated frontline workers
FitCrunch is also sending care packages to nominated healthcare workers
Lovesac is offering 40% off for doctors, military, teachers, and first responders
Under Armour is offering 40% off for military, healthcare workers, teachers, and first responders
Kindred Bravely is sending free self-pumping nursing bras to nominated healthcare workers
Dr. Scholl’s is donating insoles to hospitals that submit a request
Every Monday, Krispy Kreme gives free donuts to healthcare workers. “Just go the drive-thru, tell us what you need, and show us your employer badge. Pick up some free dozens on the way to work for you and your colleagues, or maybe a free dozen on your way home to family after a long shift.”
I will try to keep this list of brands updated, and would love to add any other brands. Please tell me if there are any other brands supporting healthcare and essential workers throughout the COVID pandemic. I will make sure to add anything that is sent my way!
Most of all I hope that each of you and your families are staying healthy and safe during this difficult time. Make sure to check out my roundup post with loads of resources for entertaining kids at home during quarantine.
Sincerely,
