Follow Protocols. Whether you are going to the doctor for an appointment or you are at your local grocery store, be sure to follow the markings on the floor that have been put in place for everybody’s safety, and don’t forget to wear your mask properly! Following protocol allows everybody to stay at a safe distance from each other which helps keep germs, like COVID-19, from spreading. Our frontline workers are just like you, running errands and shopping for their essentials, therefore it is very important to keep the six feet distance that is recommended during this time. This keeps yourself and others safe!
Show Appreciation. Giving frontline workers a shout out on social media is a positive and contact-free way to acknowledge and give thanks to the many people risking their lives every day. This includes workers at hospitals, clinics, grocery stores and other essential businesses. Leaving snacks and water out on your porch or doorway for delivery company employees is another way to show appreciation. These workers have been and continue to make deliveries through this pandemic, therefore it is important to show our appreciation for the non-stop work that they have been doing. Lastly, making colorful signs and safely displaying them on your car or home windows can be another creative way to show your appreciation. This approach is low cost and even gives the kiddos a creative task to do!
Donate Blood. Donating blood is a great way to support frontline workers in your community. It is something that can be easily done through various organizations, like the Red Cross. They provide mostly contact free experiences to keep everybody as safe as possible when donating! Our country is experiencing a critical blood and platelet shortage during this time, so this is a great way to help and even save lives.
Volunteer. Volunteering in your community, like in a contact-free food bank, is a great way to help your neighbors during this pandemic. A lot of people have lost their jobs and many families are now relying on food banks to keep their pantries stocked. In my community, all food banks are contact free, meaning that somebody will place the food in your trunk for you, there’s no need to even get out of your car! And if going out is not an option for you, you can still help through acts like donation. For example, you can donate perishable foods or money to your local food bank.
Share Information. Many of us have unique talents, insights, and resources, so consider helping a frontline worker by sharing helpful tips. This may seem like a small contribution but it is needed. Consider passing the word to someone about the new Zumba class on Zoom, about your neighbor who works in finance for notary services, or even by sharing a phone number to a mental health support line. It is important to keep in mind that many of our frontline workers have anxiety and might need to talk to a professional for help.