In a statement, coffee giant Starbucks said that people who identify as front-line responders at one of their participating stores will receive an iced or hot brewed coffee for free. The company has already donated millions to support front-line responders.
Starbucks donating to first responders
The statement from Starbucks read, “In response to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases and to recognize the significant efforts of the front-line responder and health care community, Starbucks announced today that it will offer a free tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) to front-line responders at participating U.S. Starbucks stores throughout the month of December to show appreciation for those keeping our communities safe during COVID-19.”
“It has been an extraordinarily difficult year, especially for the front-line responders who are serving our communities,” said Virginia Tenpenny, Starbucks vice president, Global Social Impact. “We want to show our deep gratitude for those who support and protect us every day with a small gesture of kindness and a cup of coffee.”
Here are the details: Starting December 1 through December 31, any customer who identifies as a front-line responder to the COVID-19 outbreak will receive a tall brewed coffee at no charge. The offer can be redeemed at Starbucks U.S. company-operated locations and select licensed stores.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues
To further support the front-line responder community, the company also donated $100,000 to National Alliance on Mental Illness to support virtual mental health resources for front-line responders and has plans to surprise 50,000 front-line responders with care packages and Starbucks gift cards this holiday season.
The company says that front-line workers who are eligible for the free tall coffee offer include “doctors, nurses, public health workers, pharmacists, dispatchers, firefighters, paramedics, police officers, dentists and dental hygienists, mental health workers (therapist, psychologist, social worker, counselor, etc.), hospital staff such as janitor/housekeeping/security, and active-duty military.”
