With COVID-19 cases on the rise nationwide, Starbucks is offering free cups of appreciation to health care employees, hospital staffers, police, firefighters and other “front-line responders” this month.
From now through Dec. 31, employees in those categories with a valid employee ID may receive a free tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) any day at all company-owned stores and many licensed outlets.
“It has been an extraordinarily difficult year, especially for the front-line responders who are serving our communities,” said Virginia Tenpenny, Starbucks vice president for Global Social Impact, in a statement Tuesday. “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.”
Besides doctors, nurses, paramedics, police and firefighters, the offer applies to pharmacists, dispatchers, dentists and dental hygienists, mental health workers (therapist, psychologist, social worker, counselor), hospital staffers such as those who work in janitorial, housekeeping and security roles, and active-duty military.
Starbucks said it has given out more than 2 million cups of coffee to front-line responders since March, and the company’s foundation has donated more than $1 million worth of emergency assistance, PPE and other supplies.
