JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In the midst of the ongoing pandemic, it seems like a lot of folks have been channeling Mr. Rogers, who encouraged us to “look for the helpers” during a crisis.
Many are taking it a step further. Once they spot the helpers, they are finding ways to help them, too.
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We take a minute again this week to acknowledge those who are pitching in any way they can to support those on the front lines.
And a few of them have ways that you can take part.
Saying thank you
Hodges Mazda on Jacksonville’s Southside is offering health care workers a free oil change and car wash as a thank you for their service. The offer is good through April 15. Read more
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority is offering free bus rides to health care professionals, beginning Monday, April 6. Any worker at a hospital, doctor’s office, medical facility or medical laboratory just needs to show their work badge to ride for free. Read more
Restaurants like Tidbits, D&G Deli and Grill, and European Street Cafe are delivering meals to those working tirelessly during the pandemic as part of the Feed Our Healthcare Heroes initiative. Read more
Hightide Burrito has partnered with Baptist Health and Ascension St. Vincent’s to allow patrons to buy burritos for health care workers and hospital staff. The meals include chips, salsa and a thank you tucked in. Read more
You can help satisfy our health care workers’ Girl Scout Cookie cravings -- and give them a much-deserved sweet treat -- thanks to the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council’s Cookies for Health Heroes initiative. They have committee 20,000 boxes, but you can help them go above and beyond that goal. Read more
Making masks
Many manufacturers around the county are shifting operations to help with the crisis, and Venus Fashion, based in Jacksonville, is pitching in by making protective face masks that will be donated to area hospitals. Read more
Local clothing brand Katherine Way is also turning its warehouse of fabric into kits for volunteers to sew masks to be donated to hospitals. Starting this week, they’re also making isolation gowns for Baptist Health. Read more
Donating gloves
Mobility Plus, a Jacksonville business that helps senior citizens get around, has donated 4,000 gloves to assisted living facilities who are in desperate need because of how often the workers have to change gloves. Read more