The war against COVID-19 has made the brave troops on the front lines more visible and more valued than ever. Of course, America’s paramedics, firefighters, nurses, and doctors have always been among our most beloved heroes. But now, we all want to know how to honor first responders and express our deepest gratitude for everything they’ve done and continue to do.
And millions of other courageous essential personnel deserve our gratitude as well—bus drivers, sanitation workers, military staff, grocery store and retail workers. They put their lives on the line for us every day and no hourly wage, salary, bonus, or benefits can ever repay them for all they’ve sacrificed over the past few months.
You and your colleagues can be among the first to respond to these selfless public servants in your city by showing them how much you value their work and by supporting their efforts.
How to honor first responders in the classroom
Believe it or not, school resource officers also serve as first responders because they’re charged with coordinating a school’s protocols in cases of emergency. These administrators, teachers, and their colleagues invest their talents and skills in keeping our kids safe and preparing them for the future.
And their jobs are often more demanding than many of us realize. As many teachers will tell you, their duties don’t end when the bell rings. They are passionate about being educators and that dedication compels many of them to pay for school supplies out of their own pockets rather than see their students go without the basics.
Our virtual Mission: Kids Care Charitable Team Building Workshop is your chance to say thank you! During this fun-filled exercise, your staff can divvy up into teams and compete for school supplies to donate to local students.
The competition is friendly, and it’s also a great way to build camaraderie among your employees. The school supplies include spiral notebooks, three-ring binders, pens, pencils, highlighters, assorted art supplies, and colorful backpacks.
What better way to thank local educators than to equip their students for the upcoming school year. Whether on campus or online, these students will be prepared for success.
How to honor first responders among our troops
Mission: Military Care is another virtual charitable workshop in which “care” is the key and the kudos are tangible! Whether deployed domestically or overseas, military personnel always welcome reminders of home. Comfy socks, scarves, caps, and gloves. Cologne. Perfume. Sunscreen. Lotion and other toiletries. Cookies, candies, and other non-perishable snacks. Individually and collectively, these gifts are expressions of support and kindness that will last a lifetime.
How to honor first responders at ground-zero
Many community hospitals have become ground-zero in the fight against COVID-19. At least 600 hundred American healthcare workers died from the coronavirus while fighting valiantly to save others. Granted, they didn’t volunteer for this horror show; they were drafted. Nonetheless it’s no exaggeration to call them authentic war heroes.
And of course, we’ve all seen videos of city residents across the country cheering hospital staff during shift changes. No doubt we’ve joined in as they marched back into work ready for another battle against this dreaded disease. Cheers, applause, salutes—they deserve it all and more!
How’s this for a heartfelt salute from your company: Partner with a local restaurant and Donate-a-Dinner to weary workers who are finally heading home. Thanks to you and your team, they’ll enjoy a sumptuous feast at the end of a long day.
And during our virtual Hospital Helpers Charitable Team Building Workshop you can donate loving and comforting gifts to some of their patients.
Lotion, lip balm, massage oils, dry shampoo. Lozenges and mints. Toothbrushes and toothpaste. Books, magazines, word puzzles. Headbands, scarves, eye masks. Doctor-approved snacks. Any diversion from the tedium of their hospital beds will be much appreciated.
And so will you. Your kindness and sacrifice will build a lasting legacy of goodwill for your company.