Of course i add my boundless thanks, and praise, to ALL still having to work, and have to do so by going out and about (don't forget - a LOT of folks still HAVE to work, but are doing so from home!) -whether your job title says "essential" or not, or if you are front line health car care workers or not, if you ARE still working, and having to go out and about to do so, you obviously ARE deemed essential by someone, somewhere. And therefore deserve all of our thanks, and praise.
In recognition of that, I have reached out in my own community to recognize, and hopefully make feel seen, validated, and thanked, several groups which to me, might get overlooked and not thanked enough, or at all. Having been a "background player" for many years in my organization, I personally know, and have felt, how that can happen. And while I'm sure they, nor I, never begrudge "the frontliners" from getting recognized, and thanked, it still feels nice when somebody sees YOU, for who YOU are, and what YOU have contributed. I thanked both with words, and with actions, and donations. Those were my postal carriers, a local organization that renders all kinds of services and goods to seniors, the County-run disabled transportation I take, and the garbage and recycling folks. I also donated to the Jersey4Jersey fund that held a fundraising TV show last week. And the times I have ordered in to help support local business, I made sure they were the smaller shops, and generously tipped the delivery people. The same with grocery delivery people. I chose these things specifically because I have, do, or will, utilize them, and also think they might not be as "recognized or thanked" as others. Just IMHO. Wish I could thank, and support more, but I did, and do, what I can, when I can.
I may not have a lot, but what I do have, I feel compelled to share. Always, but especially at a time like this. And what you get back will ALWAYS outweigh whatever you gave out.
Thank you again, all who continue to work "out and about" so that the rest of us can stay (hopefully) safely at home during the roughest parts of this scourge!