Companies show appreciation to coronavirus frontline responders with freebies

COVID-19
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a glazed donut next to a cup of coffee in a styrofoam cup

From signage to cheering healthcare workers on during shift changes, people around the nation are finding ways to say thanks to the frontline responders in the war against COVID-19.

Several companies are also following suit, providing discounts and freebies to healthcare workers and first responders.

The following are just a few of the companies that have stepped up to say their thanks with discounts or giveaways.

Starbucks

In a March 22 message, Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson announced that all locations would close their walk-in operations in the U.S. and Canada, limiting services to drive-thru only. Amid the partial closures, Starbucks didn’t forget those working on the frontlines. Through May 3, the company will be offering free coffee—a tall brewed coffee, hot or iced—to COVID-19 first responders.

Krispy Kreme

The classic doughnut company announced March 30, National Doctors’ Day, that every Monday through National Nurses Week, which begins May 6, it will provide free doughnuts to healthcare workers. Simply drive up to the drive thru and flash your work badge to receive up to five dozen of Krispy Kreme’s classic glazed doughnuts.

Crocs

Healthcare works are on their feet much of the day, so a comfy pair of shoes is key to making it through those especially long days. Because of that, crocs is offering healthcare workers a free pair of its shoes to those working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit their website to register for your pair.

Circle K

The global convenience store chain is offering free tea, coffee and polar pops to healthcare workers, as well as first responders and its employees.

Allbirds

Another shoe company stepping up to help healthcare providers is Allbirds. So far, the company has donated $500,000 worth of shoes to healthcare workers. It is now having a Buy a Pair, Give a Pair deal that automatically donates a pair of shoes to someone in healthcare when you purchase a pair of Allbirds through this special promotion. If you don’t need a pair but still want to donate, the company is offering discounted rates for those wanting to donate a pair of shoes to a healthcare worker.

BP and Amoco

BP and Amaco gas stations are offering 50 cents off per gallon of gas to COVID-19 first responders. To get the discount, verify your community status via ID.meLearn more about who qualifies.

COSTCO 

Costco is temporarily allowing priority access to their warehouses for Costco members who are healthcare workers & first responders such as police officers, EMTs and firefighters. Healthcare workers and first responders who present a Costco membership card and official identification of their role, will be allows to move to the front of any line to enter the warehouse. 

Sam’s Club 

Bulk goods clubhouse Sam’s Club has announced that starting on April 19, it will implement “Hero Hours” for healthcare workers and first responders, which will take place every Sunday from 8am-10am. No membership will be required for Hero Hours and Sam’s Club will provide masks to wear in-store. Please note that spouses and other family members or guests will not be allowed in the store for Hero Hours. 

Big Lots

15% OFF everything, every day at Big Lots now thru April 30th. Just show your badge, work or military ID to cashier or use code BIGHEROES online at checkout and use curbside pick-up! 

Dollar General 

Popular retailer Dollar General is offering a 10% discount on qualifying purchases to all medical personnel, first responders, and activated National Guardsmen. Just present your employer badge or ID. This offer is currently good through April 30, 2020 and may be extended further. 

Dr. Scholl’s 

Dr. Scholl’s is donating 100,000 pairs of insoles to healthcare workers across the country. Hospitals can email coronavirus.outreach@drscholls.com to submit a request for their medical staff. Hospitals can submit requests to receive insoles for their medical workers by emailing coronavirus.outreach@drscholls.com.

RaceTrac 

RaceTrac gas stations throughout the South are offering a free small coffee or fountain drink to all essential workers through April 30. 

Wawa 

Convenience chain Wawa, which has locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Florida and Washington, D.C., is offering free coffee to healthcare workers and first responders for the length of the coronavirus pandemic. 

The North Face 

As a small show of our heartfelt gratitude for their dedication and bravery in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, from April 14, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020 The North Face will be giving a 50% discount to healthcare workers in the United States. This discount can be used for the purchase of non-sale items on thenorthface.com and at The North Face-owned retail stores in the United States. During this same period the company is also be offering these individuals a 10% discount on non-clearance items at its outlet stores in the United States.

McDonald’s

McDonald’s is offering free Thank You meals to frontline employees at participating locations from April 22 to May 5.

These are just a few national companies offering freebies to those working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Did we leave anybody out? Email us to add to this list, and keep in mind, many of these freebies only apply as supplies last or might not be available at all locations.

The content of this site is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical conditions or treatments.