First responders deserve recognition today and every day. They put their lives on the line, sacrifice for the greater good and commit themselves, heart and soul, to protecting others.
We want to give them a little extra support during these difficult times – one-way Ellicott Development has been doing this is offering discounted rates at our hotels. While many people are avoiding travel at this time, for some, traveling may be an emergency necessity. We want to make sure if our first responders have to travel, they’re able to do it safely, comfortably and affordably.
These first responder hotel discounts will apply to medical, fire, police and EMTs and will be available until June 15, 2020, although the date may change if the COVID-19 situation continues beyond that time.
As we were putting together the discount program, we started thinking about a few additional ways we can all work to make first responders’ days a little more pleasant. We’ve put together a few ideas:
1. Send a thank you letter.
At the end of a long day, isn’t it nice to hear a few words of affirmation and appreciation? Consider taking a minute to write some cards or notes for your local first responders. If you have children who like to draw or craft, get them involved in the appreciation efforts as well.
Many fire stations, police stations, etc., have bulletin boards where they post messages of support from the local community. Your message could be included there to lift their spirits.
2. Buy some coffee.
Many people will gift first responders they see in line behind them at a coffee shop, letting them know their drink or breakfast treat is covered. Since curbside pickup has become the norm in many locations, that opportunity to show appreciation isn’t always available.
You might consider contacting a local coffee shop and asking them if they can take a payment on your behalf – even $5 or $10 would be enough to treat someone – then use those funds to “buy” a drink for a special first responder who places an order. Imagine how surprised they’ll be when they pick up their order and no payment is required!
3. Contactless delivery of food or gift cards.
When first responders have to take time away from their work to think about their meals, it can make it harder to focus and can put more strain on the rest of the team.
If you’re looking for a way to give back, contact a local restaurant to see if you can order food and have them deliver it to a local hospital, fire station, EMS station or police department. Pizza can be an easy crowd pleaser and can be good fresh or enjoyed as leftovers for staff members who arrive for later shifts.
And, as an added bonus, the food you order will also help a local restaurant stay in business – which is a win-win situation.
Want to show some appreciation to the first responders’ families? Consider doing a contactless drop off of gift cards for purchases at a local supermarket, restaurant or other retail location. They can use those cards to treat their families at their convenience and bring a little joy to their partners’/children’s days too.
4. Follow safety guidelines.
The biggest thing all of us can do for first responders at this time is to follow safety guidelines and mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus and other infectious diseases. This pandemic is putting tremendous stress and strain on their teams and their families.
Let’s work together to give them a little extra peace of mind and support by appropriately social distancing, wearing masks when required and staying home when possible to make their jobs a little easier.
In a pandemic situation, so many people are serving as everyday heroes. It’s taking all of us together to handle this situation, protect our communities and end the spread of this virus – and our first responders are definitely leading the charge.
From our team at Ellicott Development, thank you first responders for your service to our communities. We appreciate and honor you. Please take advantage of the benefits we’re offering and reach out if we can assist you with your emergency travel or other needs.
