Right now, essential employees are putting it all on the line to keep the country going. No one is at a greater risk than doctors and nurses who are basically on the front lines of the pandemic. Many people, whether they have dealt with the disease or not, are looking for ways to help thank the medical staff. For so many, money is tight though, so it is important to keep things frugal as much as possible. These ten options will help the medical staff that deserves so much more while allowing you to express your gratitude for all that they do.
1. Order Donuts
Sending food to medical staff can be expensive, but it is one of the best things you can do for those who are working long hours. Often, meals are forgotten or pushed off until it is time to head home for the day. That is why sending food is probably one of the best ways to show some gratitude. One of the best options for this is donuts though. Not only are donuts affordable in large batches, but you can ensure most people in the hospital will be able to find something they like. On top of that, donuts can be eaten in a few seconds if need be, so everyone can get back to work with a little something in their stomachs. You will also find that sweetness can act as a form of comfort for those facing a challenging day. If you are planning on donating to the medical staff, then ask for the donuts to be delivered as many delivery people will have a special way into the hospital so there is less risk involved. You might also let the business know who the order is for, as they may offer you a discount or donate more donuts to go along with the order you put in.
2. Make Masks
Unfortunately, one of the biggest tribulations of the time is the fact that our medical staff is so understocked. There has been a nationwide call for donations, but if you don’t have medical masks on hand then you might consider making some. All you need is some fabric and the ability to sew in order to pull this off. There are many patterns available online, so you can try out different options to see which is easier for you to make or even which are preferred by the staff. These masks might not be used while disposable masks are present, but the medical staff can take them home to use, or they can use them in a pinch if supplies do run out. If masks aren’t up your alley then you might consider accessories to help make the masks more comfortable. For instance, many people are making items that masks can hang from in order to protect those wearing them from experiencing pain after long periods of wear.
3. Donate Money
Donations are going to be one of the most important ways to show gratitude during this time. If you can, donate some money to your local hospital or any other hospital that you might prefer. You don’t have to donate hundreds if you don’t have the money to give. In fact, even five to ten dollars can help out immensely when it comes to getting protective gear for the staff. If you can do this every time you get paid, then the money will quickly add up. If you don’t have the money to give then you might consider starting a GoFundMe or any other page that will help you collect donations. Usually, people will happily donate to help out, especially during times such as these.
4. Donate Blood
Blood is always needed, but whenever there is a medical emergency such as a pandemic then the blood becomes even more important. Thus, one of the best things you can do to show your appreciation of the medical staff is to donate blood. This will help them to ensure they have what they need if an emergency does arise, which can take a huge burden off of them. If you have had and recovered from the novel coronavirus then you should also consider donating. Currently, many medical teams are using this blood, as well as plasma, in a race towards a cure or a vaccine. Your contribution could save millions of lives.
5. Shop Considerately
A lot of people are going a bit crazy when it comes to shopping. When the coronavirus first began, people were shopping for hand sanitizer, cleaners, facial masks, and gloves which pretty much depleted the stock. Currently, stores are getting in small numbers of these products, but people are still buying them up as soon as they come in. One of the best things you can do is walk away from these items unless you actually need them. This will allow the medical staff that does need to protect themselves to purchase the items. Doctors, nurses, and anyone working in a hospital or medical facility need to be able to clean their clothing, home, and body in order to keep themselves and others safe. So, do them a favor and leave the items on the shelf so they can stay healthy and protect their families too.
6. Offer Assistance
If you’re in a peak area, then you might know some medical staff that is working double shifts without a day off. If this is the case, then you might offer your assistance to the medical personnel and have them extend your generosity to their colleagues. You might consider shopping for them, so they have groceries to come home to when they do get to have a break. If the person has pets then stop by to feed them, walk them, clean up after them, and so on. You can even clean up their house if they need you to. These services can help make their life better while allowing you to show your gratitude.
7. Contact Media
One of the best ways to show off your appreciation for the medical staff in your area is to let your story be known. If you have had a great experience with the medical staff in your area, then you might consider sharing it with the media. Most media sources are more than happy to broadcast positive stories, especially during such a hard time. This can help boost morale in the community as well as with the medical staff that you are with. It can also show everyone just how many heroes are living and working in your area.
8. Think Outside of the Box
If you’re not sure what you would like to do to show your appreciation, then you might try thinking outside of the box. There are many people going the extra mile to say thank you, so you’ll probably find a wide variety of ideas to help inspire you. If you’re religious, then many people are holding prayer circles in front of hospitals. These don’t involve getting out of the vehicle though. Instead, you might turn on your headlights with a group of other people to show you are present and see everything that the hospital is doing. If you join one of these, someone might speak using a megaphone to help get the message across. You can also hold up thank you signs and more. Some artists are leaving messages for the staff using standing letters, chalk, and other options. Of course, if you want to go this route, you need to get permission from the hospital. You can also send a card for the staff to share your gratitude.
9. Rally for Supplies
Right now, there are a lot of hospitals that don’t have the supplies they need to be safe. One of the best things you can do is a rally for supplies for these individuals. You can contact companies and ask for
donations to help your community out. You might be surprised by how many companies are willing to help out those in need if only they had a direction to go in. If you can’t find anyone to donate then you might write letters and make phone calls to your local government to try to get some supplies.
10. Self-Quarantine
At the end of the day, one of the best things you can do to help out the medical staff in your area and around the world is to self-quarantine. Staying at home will mean there is one less person for the hospital to worry about because you will be away from the virus. Plus, you will also help stop the spread of the disease, which can help others out too. Although it might be an inconvenience, this is the best way to say thank you as you will help end the pandemic which will allow them to stop putting their lives at risk.
There is no doubt about it, the medical staff around the world definitely deserves a round of applause and then some. These ten ideas will definitely help you to show your appreciation while bringing them a little relief. Best of all, you will still be able to maintain your budget as you help show your gratitude.
