While all of us are feeling stress from the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers and first responders are especially strained.
In an effort to make their days a little easier, Starbucks has announced it will now be offering free coffee to front-line responders through May 3. In a press release, Starbucks says any customer who identifies as a front-line responder to the COVID-19 outbreak will receive a tall brewed coffee, hot or iced, at no charge.
If you’re heading out for your free coffee, keep in mind that all company-operated Starbucks locations are currently drive-thru only, though there may be some exceptions for locations that serve in or around hospitals and healthcare centers.
The Starbucks Foundation will also be donating $500,000 to support front-line responders. They’ll be giving equal donations to Direct Relief to support the delivery of personal protective equipment and essential medical items, as well as to Operation Gratitude to deliver 50,000 care packages and handwritten letters to first responders and healthcare workers.
The coffee chain also recently announced it will be paying all of its employees for the next 30 days, even if they stay home.
In what could be a perfect accompaniment to the free coffee at Starbucks, Krispy Kreme will also be providing all healthcare workers with free dozens (yes, that’s plural dozens) of glazed doughnuts every Monday, from March 30-May 11.
Whether you’re on your way to work, heading home after a long shift or just wanting to take some to your family, if you work in healthcare, simply go to your local Krispy Kreme, show your work ID and say how many dozens you need.
Krispy Kreme is also giving out some freebies for everyone else, including a free dozen glazed doughnuts with every full-price purchase of a dozen or more. Each free dozen box will also include a smiley-face doughnut and be securely sealed and bagged individually for contactless delivery, which would be perfect for leaving on the doorstep of a self-quarantined neighbor, family member or friend.
Spread the word to any healthcare workers or first responders you know!
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