Free food, oil changes and more for coronavirus frontline workers. Here’s where
Health care workers and first responders are sacrificing a lot to work on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic.
Some have moved out of their family homes and into tents and campers to prevent spreading the virus, others have been threatened with losing custody of their children. Some have even been targeted with violence.
While we may never be able to thank them enough for their efforts, companies across the country are showing their appreciation with free food and services for frontline workers.
From free coffee to free oil changes, here’s how companies are stepping in to help:
Mazda
The car company is offering free oil changes and enhanced cleaning services to health care workers at more than 500 Mazda dealerships across the country, according to a news release.
The Essential Car Care program is not limited to Mazda owners — the company says it’s available for most makes and models from other vehicle manufacturers, the release said.
The offer runs through May 4.
Contact your local Mazda dealer for more information.
White Castle
The fast food chain is treating health care workers and emergency medical technicians with a free breakfast or castle combo through April 30, the company said online.
To enjoy their free White Castle combo, health care workers and EMTs must show this coupon in the drive-thru.
The deal is only available for drive-thru orders and can’t be used for orders place online or for delivery.
Click here to find your nearest White Castle.
McDonald’s
Starting April 22, McDonald’s will be giving away “Thank You Meals” to health care workers and first responders during breakfast, lunch and dinner, McClatchy News reported.
The meals will feature a choice of sandwich, drinks and fries or a hashbrown served in a Happy Meal box, according to the report. McDonald’s said it will also include a note of appreciation.
The offer is available through May 5 and frontline workers will need to be in uniform or show their badge to take advantage.
Bojangles’
The fried chicken chain is honoring health care workers, first responders and law enforcement with a free iced tea of any size, no purchase required, the company said in a news release.
The deal runs through National Iced Tea Day on June 10.
All law enforcement, first responders and health care workers have to do is show their credentials.
Find your closest Bojangles’ here.
Circle K
The convenience store is offering free coffee, tea and soda to first responders and health care workers at participating locations, the company said in a news release.
The offer is available through April 30.
Health care workers and first responders just need to show a valid I.D., the release said.
Click here to find your nearest Circle K.
Checkers and Rally’s
The drive-thru chain is saying thank you to medical workers and first responders with a free small combo, the company said in a news release. The combo includes an entree, a small order of seasoned fries and a small drink.
The offer is available at 250 company-owned restaurants.
Medical workers and first responders just need to be in uniform to receive the offer, the release said.
Checkers and Rally’s employees at the company-owned stores are also eligible for the offer and will receive a free small combo on days they work.
Contact your nearest Checkers and Rally’s for more information.
Sheetz
The convenience store is offering free coffee to health care workers and first responders through June 1, the company said in a news release.
Hospital workers, police officers, firefighters and paramedics are all eligible for the deal, Sheetz said.
Find the Sheetz nearest you here.
Chipotle
The burrito chain is partnering with customers to give away free burritos to health care workers, McClatchy News reported.
Order a burrito online or through the Chipotle app from April 21-26 and name it “4HEROES,” and the company will donate one to a health care worker for free, according to the report.
On Nurses Day, May 6, health care workers will be able to sign up for a chance to receive their free burritos, McClatchy reported. Chipotle said it will give away up to 100,000.
This story was originally published April 21, 2020 at 12:24 PM with the headline "Free food, oil changes and more for coronavirus frontline workers. Here’s where."