Many front-line workers have been working long hours to protect individuals during the pandemic. To keep their minds awake and alert, coffee supergiant Starbucks has offered to donate free cups of coffee to these at-risk employees during the holiday season. The tall sized drink can be hot or iced and is only available in the USA.
"We want to show our deep gratitude for those who support and protect us every day with a small gesture of kindness and a cup of coffee," said Virginia Tenpenny, who is the vice president of Starbucks' Global Social Impact.
Many people potentially qualify for this exclusive perk. On the list of those getting free coffee this winter are doctors, nurses, public health workers, pharmacists, dispatchers, military on active duty, contact tracers, vaccine and pharmaceutical researchers, pilots, flight attendants, firefighters, paramedics, medical researchers., law enforcement officers, dentists, dental hygienists, therapists, psychologists, social worker, counselors, hospital staff, TSA, and EMTs.
The company also plans to donate care packages to 50,000 mystery front-line responders filled with gifts and Starbucks gift cards closer to the holidays. Since March, Starbucks has been one of the most socially aware companies, donating over $1 million to support front-line responders working during the height of COVID-19. Until the world is vaccinated, caffeination will have to work well enough!