How to Thank the Nurses in Your Life

Because these everyday heroes are working round the clock to treat and care for those who are COVID-19 positive, it’s especially important to celebrate and honor the nurses in our communities this year. While we can’t throw them a massive thank you party as much as we may want to (social distancing and all), there are small ways you and your family can thank the nurses in your life that have a huge impact.

Participate in the 7pm shout out for health care workers.

You’ve likely seen the videos of city residents clapping, yelling, whistling, banging pots and pans, and even singing (from the safety of their apartments) at 7pm to thank health care workers. Does it sometimes seem like you hear sirens every day at 7pm on the dot? The fire and police departments just might be showing their gratitude, too. So join in—it’s one time you won’t mind so much that your kids are being loud!—and if your neighborhood doesn’t currently do this, message a few friends to see if they’ll join you!

Donate a meal or money to feed health care workers. 

Health care workers are busy caring for COVID-19 patients every day, that many of them don’t have the time to even order food or run out for a coffee break, according to The New York Times. So what better way to say thank you than by helping to provide meals, coffee, and snacks to the front line workers? Many local restaurants are raising funds to make and donate meals to hospitals. (Bonus: It also helps those restaurants stay afloat during quarantine!) Butterfield Market, Dough Doughnuts, Everyman Espresso, and so many more restaurants in NYC are raising money to donate food.

Or you can donate to organizations like Frontline Foods, which is partnered with World Central Kitchen, to raise funds across the country, including in NYC, Westchester County, Nassau County, and New Jersey. And, if you don’t see your area on the list, you can help bring the mission to your community. Meanwhile, Feeding Heroes is raising funds for Long Island, Queens, New Jersey, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Westchester hospitals. And Nyack Nourishes and Piermont Provides are feeding health care workers in Rockland County.

Make ear savers to donate.

Wearing masks all day can cause irritation behind the ears, and no one is feeling that more than health care workers who are on the front lines every day. If you have older kids, they can try their hand at making some ear savers to donate to your local hospital. All you need for this easy DIY? Sturdy ribbon (1-1½ inches wide), large buttons, needle and thread, scissors, ruler, and a lighter or candle (to keep the cut edges of the ribbon from fraying—this step should probably be handled by Mom or Dad).