This weekend is Valentine’s Day — a day to send thoughtful cards to loved ones, give a gift to that special someone, and eat candy hearts galore (within reason, of course).
It’s a day full of love, kindness, and gratitude. This year, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, who better to send a heartfelt “thank you” to than healthcare workers?
Throughout the pandemic, healthcare workers across the nation have continued to go into work to care for patients, support one another, and ultimately keep everyone in the country safe.
In short, we couldn’t have done it without them.
This Valentine’s Day, let’s take some time to thank healthcare workers and show some (virtual) love. Here are 4 ideas to get you started.
1. Donate a meal.
Food is the way to many people’s hearts — especially dedicated healthcare professionals who work long shifts.
Back at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses, restaurants, and individuals across the country began sending pizzas, sandwiches, cookie baskets, and plenty of other snacks to local hospitals. It became a simple, COVID-friendly way to show appreciation for healthcare workers who might need a little extra fuel.
A year later, this is still a thoughtful gesture — especially on Valentine’s Day. As healthcare workers forego romantic dinners and time with their families, receiving a food donation can make them feel loved.
If you can’t decide on what type of food to donate — or you want to allow healthcare workers a little more flexibility — consider a gift card to a local restaurant instead.
2. Give them a shout out on social media.
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Vine have all played a critical role in spreading love during the pandemic. This Valentine’s Day, social media platforms are a great tool to show how much you appreciate all that healthcare workers do.
Sending encouragement to healthcare workers on social media is simple:
- Take a video or picture or find one online.
- Accompany it with a message that sends hope, encouragement, or gratitude — or all of the above!
- Post it to social media and tag the organization you want to thank.
3. Round up your kids, and send them a valentine together.
If you haven’t already, talk to your children about how much healthcare workers have done for us. Then, have them join you in saying thank you.
Whether your child wants to thank one healthcare worker or one hundred, sending a valentine can show how much they appreciate them. Ask your child if they want to send a valentine to their favorite nurse, physician, or staff member, and if they can’t decide, address it to the organization as a whole.
Due to COVID-19, it’s best not to drop valentines off in person. However, there are other COVID-friendly options. One option is to gather some paper, crayons, stickers, and any other art supplies, and have your child make a homemade valentine. Then, stick it in the mail and send it on its way.
Or, you can send a valentine virtually. Use a free valentine e-card service (like this one), or help your child craft an email and simply click send.
4. Most importantly — stay healthy.
As healthcare workers put hours upon hours into caring for patients each day, the most important thing you can do to show you care this Valentine’s Day is to stay healthy.
This means:
- Staying home, wearing a mask, and washing your hands frequently
- Getting your flu shot, if you haven’t done so already
- Staying up-to-date with routine check-ups, and using virtual visits when possible
When you and your family remain healthy, healthcare workers can dedicate their time to caring for other patients with COVID-19 and other illnesses — a Valentine’s Day gift that everyone benefits from.
This Valentine’s Day, take some time to show gratitude and love for everyone that has helped support our nation through this pandemic. In addition to healthcare workers, consider thanking others, such as grocery store clerks, mail and delivery workers, construction workers, and teachers.
It takes a village to endure a pandemic, and with support, love, and gratitude, we will make it through together.
