Ways to Show Appreciation for “Essential” Businesses and Employees

Restaurant - Essentail Business

Business.org Will Give $5,000 Towards Supporting Your Favorite Local Restaurants (FREE)

Business.org is a small business helping small businesses. They match small-business owners with the right tools and know-how to succeed. As the COVID-19 crisis continues to grow, success is looking a lot like survival. To stay on their feet, small businesses—especially small local restaurants—need an immediate cash injection.

The Small Business Association (SBA) has stepped up on the small-business disaster loans front, which is excellent news. However, loans must be re-paid eventually. If the stores we love are going to stay open, borrowed time isn’t going to cut it! Our local restaurants need a large dose of community support as well.

To give small businesses a quick cash injection, Business.org is offering a total of $5,000 toward locals cuisine. How does it work? They are purchasing 50 gift cards valued at $100 each. The organization is asking people to submit the name of their favorite restaurant. They will be randomly selecting the winners and sending them a $100 gift card for the eatery they nominated.

If you are 18 years or older and a US citizen living in any of the 50 states you can show appreciation for your favorite local restaurant by nominating them. The deadline to submit your entry is April 30th. Winners will be contacted via email on May 4th.

How else can you help in this time of crisis while we are socially isolating ourselves? You can order pickup or delivery from your local eateries which are still open. Or purchase gift cards and shop locally instead of through national chains. Don’t forget to reach out to local businesses in your area to see how you can help as well.

Snickers - Gift for Essential Employees to Show Appreciation

Give an “Essential” Worker a FREE Snickers Bar as a Token of Thanks

Whether they’re nurses, delivery drivers or cashiers, the brave essential workers still on the job are keeping us going. So, give a little something to keep them going: a free SNICKERS bar!

Do you have a family member, friend or neighbor who’s currently being a hero? If you are 16 years of age or older, enter their phone number and they’ll receive a free SNICKERS e-gift card redeemable at Walmart.

Rest assured, there’s no rush. They can redeem this gift the next time they find themselves at Walmart. Plus, for every bar sent, SNICKERS will make a donation to support first responders through Operation Gratitude. It’s a win-win scenario!

OPERATIONS GRATITUDE

Operation Gratitude has launched one of the largest coordinated efforts in the country to support the brave men and women on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies across the nation will join to leverage their collective resources to provide direct support to Frontline Responders nationwide.

OPERATIONS GRATITUDE: THE STARBUCKS FOUNDATION

With a $250,000 donation from The Starbucks Foundation to support U.S. frontline COVID-19 responders, Operation Gratitude will deliver up to 50,000 Care Packages, bulk donations, and handwritten letters to First Responders, Health Care Workers, and Military Personnel.

Showing appreciation by writing letters to frontline workers

Join the movement by writing letters of gratitude to show appreciation for First Responders, Emergency Medical Personnel and Military on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Their response to COVID-19 is a call to action for Virtual Volunteerism. Operation Gratitude provides every American the opportunity to show appreciation for those who serve. They are providing 3 other ways for you (and your family) to give back from your own home.

OPEATIONS GRATITUDE: VETERANS UNITED (FREE)

Show that you are there for our heroes by writing words of encouragement and appreciation to those serving on the frontlines of this pandemic. Your message will be printed on a special postcard and delivered to a Frontline Responder.

Virtual Quarantelegrams by Sounds Like Sunshine Voiceover (Suggested donation of $35)

Thank a Healthcare Worker/Essential Worker/First Responder in your life for all their hard work and service by sending him/her a Virtual “Quarantelegram“. It will be delivered by professional Voiceover Artist, Samantha Peller. She will read your message aloud live via Zoom or send via email as an MP3 professional quality recording. Readings can also be customized with character voices, accents, for kids, etc.

A portion of all funds raised will go to the Voice Actors of NYC Emergency Fund and Artists Relief Tree. They have been set up to support artists who have become unemployed/underemployed during these challenging times.

Face Masks for Social Distancing

Stay at Home

Above all, to help flatten the curve, those who are not “essential” workers should stay home and practice social distancing. When you do decide to venture out for food or medicine, wear a face covering. Within this link you will find two different ways to make your own face mask. Or you could give delivery services a try if you can find an open time slot, that is!

If you enjoyed this article or have another way to show appreciation for essential businesses and employees, please let us know within the comments section below.