This conversation was written by Maggie Vickrey, CHStoday’s digital media intern.

It’s unimaginable to think where we would be without the hard work of our local frontline workers, who have been working around the clock amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Healthcare heroes | Gif via Giphy.com

These heroes need and deserve support from the community to continue to do all that they’re doing to help those who are sick + prevent the spreading of the virus.

This list offers opportunities to contribute – if you’re able – to help thank and support frontline workers, as well as local resources and deals available for our heroes to utilize.

Opportunities to help frontline workers

The Brooks Foundation is purchasing meals from local restaurants to feed hospital workers.
The Brooks Foundation accepts donations via Venmo and uses the money to purchase meals from local restaurants that it delivers to frontline workers.
○ Click here to visit their Facebook page.

Covered in Cotton is donating blankets to frontline workers.
Covered in Cotton is a local company that makes cotton products and gifts. Right now they are donating one blanket to a healthcare worker for every 10 blankets sold.
○ Purchase blankets here.

Feeding Our Heroes is purchasing meals from local restaurants to feed hospital workers.
A group of volunteers are coordinating lunches + dinners from local restaurants to feed MUSC Health, ECMC, and Roper St. Francis Healthcare staff.
○ More information can be requested via email.
○ Click here for instructions on how to donate via Venmo.

Feed the Fight feeds healthcare workers while supporting restaurants.
Feed the Fight is a new nonprofit organization that simultaneously supports local restaurants and healthcare workers. Donors can contribute via the organizations’ GoFundMe page. Money collected through the fund will be used to order takeout from local restaurants and then deliver it to healthcare workers.
○ Click here to make a donation.

FLAG Charleston is purchasing meals from local restaurants to feed hospital workers.
FLAG Charleston raises funds through donations, typically $10-$20, but any amount is greatly appreciated. The money is used to purchase meals through local restaurant’s partners to be distributed to the frontline workers. Donations are accepted through Venmo.
○ Click here to visit their website.
○ Click here to join their Facebook group.

Island House Real Estate has organized free housing for healthcare workers that are worried about taking COVID-19 home to their families.
○ Watch interview here.
○ If you are in need of housing, email Tricia.
○ If you have property available to healthcare workers, email Tricia.

LA CERISE owner, Sabrina L. is donating self-care gifts to frontline workers.
Sabrina is currently paying for packing and shipping for the gifts out of pocket so any donations are greatly appreciated.
○ Reach out by email, Instagram, or Facebook to nominate someone.
○ Make donations via Venmo.

MUSC Health is providing free emotional and mental health support to healthcare workers.
MUSC Health is utilizing its new Resiliency Clinic to provide free mental health services for all healthcare workers. Community donations are vital for sustaining this initiative, so all who can are encouraged to donate.
○ Donate here.

The RiverDogs are offering up to 100 free meals every Monday to people helping fight COVID-19.
Groups of frontline workers can be nominated to receive a free meal consisting of a hot dog, chips + a drink.
○ Nominate a group here.

Pay It Forward
If you order meals from local restaurants, many of them will deliver the food to frontline workers on your behalf. Just be sure to call to make sure the restaurant is doing delivery and is willing to participate.

Zaxby’s hosting a fundraiser to support first responders
○ From April 20 to May 18, Zaxby’s customers at 11 Charleston-area locations will have the option to donate $1 at the drive-thru to benefit the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy. Zaxby’s will match all donations made on Mondays.

Businesses offering deals to frontline workers

AAA is offering free roadside assistance to frontline workers.
○ Available through April 30.
○ Must show identification as proof of employment.
○ Find more information here.

Airbnb is waiving fees for 100,000 frontline workers.
Airbnb is offering places to stay to ensure that frontline workers can remain close to their patients without jeopardizing the health of their family.
○ Browse available spaces here.
○ Apply to host frontline workers here.

Bojangles is giving away free tea to frontline workers and law enforcement.
○ Available through June 10.
○ Must show identification as proof of employment.
○ Find details here.

Dollar General is offering a 10% discount to frontline workers and National Guardsmen.
○ Available through April 30.
○ Must show identification as proof of employment.
○ Find details here.

Hotel Indigo is offering rooms for $99/night for frontline workers.
○ Call 843-884-600 or email to book.

McDonald’s is providing frontline workers a free “Thank You Meal.”
○ Available through May 5.
○ Must show identification or be wearing a uniform as proof of employment.

Spinx is offering free beverages for frontline workers.
○ Spinx is now offering complimentary coffee, cappuccino, fountain drink, iced tea or bubbler beverage for first responders and healthcare professionals. Any size.

Starbucks is giving free coffee to first responders.
○ Available through May 3.
○ Check eligibility + participating locations here.

Uber is offering 10 million free rides and meals to frontline workers.
○ Free meals on UberEats
○ Free rides to and from healthcare facilities and patient homes
○ Organizations, healthcare providers and governmental entities can apply here on behalf of their employees.

West Shore Home is installing free showers or baths for five local frontline workers.
○ Nominate a healthcare worker or first responder here.

Local grocers offering dedicated shopping time for first responders
○ Details on stores + shopping hours here.