Comprehensive Guide To Freebies And Discounts For Frontline Workers

During the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous brands have shown appreciation for the essential work of frontline healthcare workers, first responders, and other critical personnel by offering free products, discounts, and special promotions. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the available offers across various categories, helping these dedicated professionals access resources that can make their challenging work more comfortable and manageable.

Food and Beverage Freebies

Many food and beverage companies have recognized the extraordinary efforts of frontline workers by providing free meals, drinks, and other refreshments. These offers provide essential nourishment and small comforts during demanding shifts.

Coffee and Beverage Offers

• Starbucks has been consistently supportive of frontline workers, offering free tall brewed coffee through May 3, 2020. Additionally, throughout December, Starbucks provided free tall hot or iced coffee to all healthcare frontliners.
• Circle K has offered free coffee, tea, and Polar Pop Fountain Drinks to frontline store employees, first responders, and healthcare workers through April 30. The offer may vary in different markets according to reports.
• Cumberland Farms has provided free any-size hot or iced coffee to healthcare workers, first responders, and military personnel.

Restaurant and Food Company Offers

• McDonald's has offered first responders and healthcare workers free Thank You meals through May 5, 2020, with valid ID required.
• Checkers & Rally's has provided free small combo meals to healthcare workers and first responders nationwide when they are dressed in uniform.
• Snickers has offered essential workers a free Snickers in the form of a $1.00 Walmart eGift card via text message.
• Waterloo Sparkling Water has given away 500 free 8-pack/12-pack case coupons to nurses and healthcare workers specifically during Nurses Week.

Meal Kit Services

• Home Chef has offered 50% off a meal kit to help nurses maintain healthy eating habits despite demanding schedules. The service provides all necessary ingredients and simple instructions for preparing complete meals.

Footwear and Apparel Discounts

Comfortable and durable footwear is essential for healthcare professionals and first responders who spend long hours on their feet. Several footwear and apparel companies have responded to this need by offering significant discounts and free products.

Footwear Offers

• Crocs has been one of the most generous providers, offering a free pair of shoes with free shipping to healthcare workers on the frontlines of COVID-19. Additionally, during Nurses Week 2020, Crocs gave away free shoes to healthcare workers Monday through Friday at noon on their website, though the number of free pairs was limited each day. The sign-up process required work email, state, facility name, shoe preferences, and shipping information.
• Reebok has offered verified nurses, first responders, teachers, military personnel, and government employees a 50% discount on their purchases.
• Nike, Asics, Adidas, Puma, and Under Armour have all provided discounts ranging from 20-40% off for frontline workers.
• Nike has specifically offered a 20% discount for eligible medical professionals and first responders.
• The North Face has extended a 50% discount to healthcare workers until December 31.
• Shoes.com has provided 25% off sitewide with the code SPRING25, though this offer expired on May 1, 2020.
• Medisave has offered Harmony nursing shoes for just $39.99 with free shipping for orders over $49.

Apparel Offers

• Under Armour has recognized those on the front lines by offering a 40% off discount for military members, first responders, healthcare workers, and teachers.
• Lululemon has offered 25% off for healthcare professionals, combining comfort with fashion.
• Levis and Madewell have provided discounts on jeans and other apparel items.
• Dungarees has offered free shipping on orders over $55 to contiguous U.S. addresses.
• Scrub Shopper has provided free shipping on orders over $100.
• Silvert's has offered $10 off the next purchase over $50 through their referral program.
• Redding Medical has provided nursing kits starting at just $37.50 with no coupon required.

Technology and Communication Offers

In an increasingly digital world, reliable technology and communication services are essential for frontline workers. Several technology companies have stepped forward to provide free and discounted services.

Mobile Phone and Communication Services

• Verizon began providing discounts to nurses starting April 23, including free additional data and up to $40 off when combining Verizon unlimited wireless and Fios internet plans.
• Sprint has offered free expedited shipping, waived activation fees on Sprint.com, and Sprint Perks to healthcare workers on the front lines.
• AT&T has announced three free months on their FirstNet Mobile - Responder plan for nurses and physicians. Additionally, AT&T is providing three months of free service from FirstNet for frontline workers, a service backed by the federal government that prioritizes data for healthcare workers over the network. Nurses and physicians already on the FirstNet plan receive the three-month service credit automatically, while new subscribers are also eligible.
• Samsung has offered free repairs on Samsung phones, including cracked screens and battery replacements, to frontline healthcare workers with valid ID through June 30, while supplies last. This offer includes nurses, doctors, hospital workers, EMTs, police officers, and firefighters.

Digital Services and Apps

• Speeko has offered free subscriptions to their mobile app (iOS only) for healthcare and public health professionals working on the front lines. The app provides access to a library with more than 100 activities, ranging from storytelling to giving online presentations, and is described as "a gym membership for your voice."
• Uber has committed to providing transportation for front-line healthcare workers both to and from patients' homes and between healthcare facilities. In the U.S., Uber is partnering with 1199SEIU, one of the country's largest health care unions, to ensure members can get to work. Additionally, Uber has committed to providing 300,000 free meals on Uber Eats to first responders and healthcare workers in the U.S. and Canada, 100,000 in London, and 25,000 in Australia and New Zealand.
• Talkspace has offered a month of free therapy for doctors, nurses, social workers, and frontline workers.

Travel and Accommodation Deals

For healthcare professionals who may need to travel for work or simply need a place to rest between shifts, several travel and accommodation companies have provided special offers.

• Red Roof Inn has offered free rooms through May 31, 2020. Healthcare workers were instructed to call 1-800-RED-ROOF or contact their local Red Roof Inn to book their stay.
• Hotel accommodations were available through a special promotion where every room booked under the code THANKYOU from May 4-12 gave a room to a registered nurse and unlocked a significant discount for guests of up to 50% off for stays starting July 6 through October 29, 2020.
• Mazda dealerships around the country have offered free standard oil changes and cleaning services for healthcare workers, regardless of whether they drive a Mazda.

Financial and Legal Services

Recognizing that frontline workers may need assistance with personal matters during this stressful time, several financial and legal service providers have offered their services at no cost.

• Trust & Will has provided all U.S. healthcare professionals who work in public health settings with free access to a complete Will-Based Estate Plan for themselves and their spouses. By entering their information on the company's website, professionals receive a code for a free individual or couple's will valued at up to $129.
• Tuft & Needle has provided first responders and the military with 15% off their purchases.

Household and Personal Care Items

While not as extensively covered in the source materials, some companies have offered discounts on household and personal care items that can help frontline workers maintain their homes and personal well-being during demanding times.

• Bath & Body Works has offered hand soaps on sale for 4 for $20 or 6 for $26 through April 30.
• PinMart has provided various coupon codes for discounts: PINMART5 for $5 off any order of $49 or more, PINMART10 to save $10 on an order of $99 or more, and PINMART20 to get $20 off any order of $199 or more.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has inspired an outpouring of support from companies across various industries for frontline healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential personnel. From free food and beverages to discounted footwear and technology services, these offers provide tangible benefits that can improve the daily lives of those working under extraordinary circumstances.

While many of these offers were implemented during the height of the pandemic, several have continued or been extended, indicating a sustained commitment to supporting frontline workers. Healthcare professionals, first responders, and other essential personnel are encouraged to check directly with brands for the most current offers, as eligibility requirements, availability, and expiration dates may vary.

The variety of available freebies and discounts demonstrates how different sectors have recognized and responded to the unique needs of frontline workers, whether it's providing comfortable footwear for long shifts, free meals during extended hours, or technology services that facilitate communication and personal well-being. These gestures of appreciation not only provide immediate benefits but also serve to recognize the sacrifices made by these essential workers during challenging times.

Sources

1. All The Discounts & Freebies Available For Frontline Workers Right Now
2. Freebies for Healthcare Workers and First Responders
3. Freebies & Discounts for Nurses & Healthcare Professionals
4. Frontline Workers Deals
5. Where to Find Freebies During Nurses Week 2020