Thank You Essential Workers!

With the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all been affected and forced to adjust our lifestyles. While many of us stayed home more to keep ourselves and others safe, frontline workers continued to perform the important job of caring for and protecting others. Healthcare workers, military (active duty and veterans), teachers, firefighters, and police officers always deserve the utmost respect and gratitude, but especially during the unprecedented times brought on by the pandemic. As the COVID-19 vaccines are becoming more widely available and helping us return to normal, Furniture of Dalton wants to continue to acknowledge and appreciate the hardworking individuals who are caring for the sick, protecting our country and cities, and ensuring our children continue to receive a great education.

While the long-term effects of the global pandemic are just starting to surface, studies show that our essential workers have been greatly impacted, and the effects may be long-term. Healthcare workers came face-to-face with the devastating effects of COVID-19 while caring for their patients. These dedicated workers went into the battle to care for those affected, exposing themselves and their families to the deadly virus. This has resulted in many healthcare workers having PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) symptoms from the daily exposure to sickness and death. Extending grace and kindness to the healthcare professionals you encounter while receiving medical care can is an easy way to show gratitude. A gift card for coffee can also help lift their spirits and give them the extra boost to get through their shift.

Another set of frontline workers who have experienced increased stress are veterans. Though you may not initially think they would be impacted by the pandemic, the isolation and war terms such as “fighting the virus” are extremely triggering. Our veterans benefit greatly from group therapy and spending time with other veterans to discuss their experiences and heal. These in-person meetings were canceled during the pandemic without much notice. For the active-duty military members, basic training was postponed, relocations were put on hold, and overall uncertainty affected all service members and families. A good way to show our appreciation is to check in on military members, both veterans and active-duty, that you know. Handwritten letters are a great way to keep in touch and in our increasingly digital world, a physical letter in the mail is an underrated gift.

Teachers were especially challenged during the pandemic. During a normal school year, they take on the great responsibility of teaching and developing the next generation. Add to that the stress that comes with virtual learning, lack of necessary technology, and uncharted territory, and it’s safe to say we have a new level of respect for teachers. They stepped up to provide video classrooms and answered questions during all hours of the day, often with their own school-aged children learning virtually. As parents, being understanding and empathetic with your child’s teacher is huge. A thoughtful thank you note from students can also go a long way in brightening their teacher’s day and making the extra work more rewarding.

Firefighters and police officers faced a new set of challenges as they were called to defend and protect amid uncertainty. They had to leave their families to maintain peace and save lives, all while exposing themselves to those who had the virus. These men and women exhibit bravery and poise under normal circumstances, but while the rest of the world coped with the uncertainty of the virus, they continued to show up and serve even when it meant putting themselves at risk. If you have a friend or family member who works in this field, consider making a home-cooked meal and dropping it off at their home.

To show our appreciation, Furniture of Dalton is offering 25% off to all healthcare workers June 1-15, teachers June 16-30, veterans and active duty July 1-15, and firefighters and police officers July 15-31. We will also be donating 10% of sales during this time up to $50,000 to The American Heart Association. This wonderful organization is committed to fighting heart disease and stroke and raising awareness of these diseases. As part of their mission, they focus on specific causes designed to help people achieve a heart-healthy lifestyle. We would love for you to join us in recognizing and thanking the dedicated essential workers who have gone above and beyond during these challenging times. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and ways to support. You can also visit Furniture of Dalton in-person to purchase gift cards and to donate to the American Heart Association. To all of our essential workers, we sincerely appreciate all that you have done and continue to do for our communities, our nation, and our world. Thank you!