While so many were working from home and quarantining, the healthcare workers on the frontlines were busier than ever. They worked tirelessly, often putting themselves at risk, but doing their best to fight the health war that raged in their own communities. There was no choice but for them to keep going and those affected relied on them to be there, ready to serve. With that in mind, the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce has launched a new initiative to say, “thank you” to the healthcare workers of Forsyth County.
“Our hope is that we can provide a space for the community to come together and show appreciation for our frontline medical staff and workers for all the exceptional ways they have served our community. 2020 showcased that better than ever,” says Laura Stewart, VP of Community Engagement with the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce.
Starting with Northside Forsyth, the Chamber is hoping to raise enough money to give each of the 3,200 employees a special gift – everyone from doctors and nurses to the custodial staff. “We are trying hard to recognize each and every member of the staff – each one plays an important role. All contributed to the efforts to handle the pandemic,” says Stewart.
Each person will get a t-shirt that has the logo “FOCO4Frontliners” on it. Stewart says the hope is that wearing it will remind them they there is a community supporting them. “I know it seems like it is just a t-shirt, but it carries the message and lets them know that the community as a whole is thinking about them.”
When trying to decide what to do, they discussed possible options with the administration at the hospital. They wanted to be sure the effort would be well received and helpful – as well as realistic during a time when COVID can often hinder what can happen inside the hospital. Administration agreed a t-shirt would be a great idea, especially because, if approved, the staff can wear it as part of their work uniform.
The other money raised will go toward gift cards. Visa gift cards will be given to managers who can distribute those however they see fit – through a raffle, perhaps. While not all 3,200 employees will be able to get a gift card, it will certainly be a way they can feel thanked and appreciated. “It’s like getting a thank you card from the whole community to let them know that we all wish to thank them for what they are doing,” says Stewart.
The VISA gift cards were chosen as a way to give a more substantial gift that would really reflect the depth of the appreciation. “We wanted to do as much as we could for employees, so we decided to provide Visa gift cards that can be distributed through their teams and departments,” says Stewart. “Mostly, we wanted to touch every individual but also do something that is a big deal or an exciting gift.”
Stewart says that many in the community have expressed appreciation for those frontline workers, but have not had the space, or the way, to properly express that. “So many of these healthcare workers were taking care of their loved ones, sitting beside them, holding their hands, when they could not be there. This way, they can express their thanks.”
The Chamber of Commerce recognizes that this might be a bit of a different type of project for them, but Stewart says mostly the Chamber is about connecting people in the community. Also, Northside Forsyth, is a significant part of the economic development within Forsyth County. Stewart reflected on some projects last year that were specifically targeted to helping small businesses during the COVID uncertainties, but now, as the COVID direction has shifted, she says it was time to make sure the larger ones, who also greatly impact the community, weren’t forgotten. “As the dust began to settle from 2020, discussions starting centering around other questions, like ‘now how do we help our healthcare providers? How do we recognize our hospital systems?’”
If you want to give to this project, there is no timeline. The way to give is by going online to https://www.foco4frontliners.org/. Stewart says it’s a perfect way for churches, businesses, groups, civic groups, or individuals to show their appreciation and be a part of a collective “thank you” to those who have done so much to care for the community.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2021/3/984806/saying-thank-you-to-healthcare-workers-with-foco-4-frontliners