Essential Workers Share Heartwarming Stories During the Pandemic

During the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, essential workers have been the crutch of our nation. From the grocery store employees and gas station attendants helping us keep some sense of normalcy to the nurses and doctors that are working to treat the virus, they've all kept our cities and towns going. While many of us self-isolate, essential workers have been out on the front line, witnessing the world from a unique perspective. Here are nine heartwarming stories, most of which are first-hand accounts from essential workers, about how communities across the country are supporting and inspiring those on the front line.

"The Colonial Courtyard Senior Living Community got a donation of material and labor to create a 'Conversation Station' – a plexiglass surround that allows a resident to visit safely with family at a time where they must stay separated. They were working to have one installed at all communities in time for Mother's Day visits, but the initial install at Bedford was the result of materials donated by Bedford True Value hardware store, and the labor/construction by Your Building Center." - Heidi Brown, LifeStages Director for Colonial Courtyard at Bedford, Bedford, PA

"I am a Registered Nurse, which makes me an essential worker. My neighbors posted signs of support for me in their yards during this pandemic. . . . It felt good knowing that they care enough to actually take the time to make a sign and then put it in their yards for me. I've never had anything done like this before, so it was a complete shock." - Glenda Hargrove, BSN, RN, Atlanta, GA

"Family members of a resident that passed away from COVID sent the entire staff at Wellspring Village a fully catered hot lunch with desserts and an amazing card thanking them for all of the love and care they showed their father. They also sent the community flowers as well. They were so appreciative of the love and care we provided." - Anonymous Employee, Wellspring Village, Orangeburg, NY

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"I work in a grocery store on the front end, and I was called to a register to assist a customer that needed items taken off their order due to not having enough money. As I was removing scanned items from their order to bring the balance down to what the customer could afford, the customer in the line next to us kindly offered to purchase the items that the gentleman could not. He was extremely grateful for the other customer's generosity. A little help goes a very long way, especially during these trying times!" - Erika Langworthy, Wegmans, Rochester, NY

"A friend of mine who is an Emergency Department doctor in South Carolina got her Mom to make and send masks to Candle Light Cove Senior Living Community – her Mom is making masks and headbands for the Greenville Hospital System in Greenville, SC – and anyone who needs them. Recognizing the need for [personal protective equipment] for the staff at the senior living communities, her Mom surprised me by sending dozens of headbands and masks for all of us to wear." - Tami Weber, Community Relations Director at Candle Light Cove Senior Living Community, Easton, MD

"Nick [Kathol] and his Mom [Missy Kathol] wanted to offer small gestures of support to Brightview [senior living] residents during these difficult times. They went to their neighbors [locally known as the Shand Tract community], and asked them and their children to create messages of hope and caring. They wanted to remind our residents that we are all in this together and that we will find our way through these challenging days. In five days, their neighbors created over 100 cards/messages and seven necklaces made by neighbors in the Shand Tract... Nick hand-delivered a card/message of hope to every resident at Brightview Devon Senior Living Community, and they were well-received and appreciated by everyone." - Anonymous Employee, Brightview Devon Senior Living Community, Wayne, PA

"I haven't seen my first-grade babies since March 11, and I got to see most of them today. My secretary and I drove around for five hours, made 32 stops, and delivered 96 brand new books. Such an emotional day." - Amy Stoessel, First Grade Teacher, Spring Hill, FL

"Since the stay-at-home orders have been in place, Kathy Hoffman (a Customer Service Manager for Cal Water's Bayshore District and South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce's 2020 Volunteer of the Year) has had to social distance from her husband for over three months since their home is three hours away from the district office. To keep herself busy, she began making fabric face masks for herself and family, which caught the attention of South San Francisco Mayor’s wife, Elaine Garbarino. Mrs. Garbarino asked if Kathy could make a few masks for the South City Police Department as they are short on masks, and Kathy said, 'Of course!' Since then, Kathy has been making masks for the South City Police Department and has brought in the South San Francisco Women’s Club to help with the mask production to ensure there are enough face masks for all police officers." - on behalf of Cal Water, CA

"Living in a senior living community, I wanted to do something that would show my appreciation for the employees, health care providers, and residents at The Arlington of Naples who are like family and have prioritized our safety and health during this pandemic. I have extra time and wanted to do something productive. I turned my passion for sewing into a way of saying thank you. I have a huge stash of fabric, elastic and a sewing machine. The masks looked easy enough to make so I started making masks. I have made several dozen and employed the help of four other residents to get involved. The staff go above and beyond to make sure we're happy and healthy. I have all the materials, the ability, the time and the drive to help so I found the step-by-step instructions and a pattern and started to make masks to share with all." - Ruth Anderson, The Arlington of Naples in Florida