Essential workers are, by most accounts, keeping the world turning as we know it during this pandemic. When we think of ‘essential workers’ we often think doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, but today we want to focus on another type of essential service provider that we couldn’t go without: the recycling and waste services companies that have continued services despite this pandemic. Can you imagine what life at home for 7 weeks would have been like if our trash pickup was discontinued during this time?

Republic Services, an industry leader in recycling and waste removal, partnered with Cheeriodicals in 2016 to deliver nearly 250 Cheeriodicals gift boxes to hospitalized children at Banner Cardon Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House in Phoenix, AZ

Now, in the midst of COVID-19, Republic Services supports our essential healthcare facilities by partnering with Cheeriodicals again to send Hospital Heroes care packages to healthcare providers fighting on the front line.

Corporate America Supporting Essential Workers

When it comes to how corporate America is responding to the pandemic, we at Cheeriodicals have seen a level of support for essential workers and healthcare heroes that have been awe-inspiring. Republic Services is the perfect example. They are not only committed to maintaining their operations to take care of their customers and communities, but they are also dedicated to supporting those that are fighting hard each day and night to keep us healthy. “Republic Services is proud to be able to support our local hospitals and say thank you, from one essential service provider to another,” said Catherine Ellingsen, President of the Republic Services Charitable Foundation and Executive Vice President of Republic Services.

Republic Services showed their support by sending 350 Hospital Heroes care bags to Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center in Boston, MA; Children’s Hospital of Atlanta in Atlanta, GA, and Seattle Children’s Hospital in Seattle, WA. Republic Services was proud to provide further support to the staff that makes these hospitals so great and to those that are risking their lives every day through this pandemic.

Upon arrival at each hospital, the Hospital Heroes gift bags were received with great appreciation. Many of the bags delivered to the Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center were distributed to the team assigned to administering COVID-19 tests at their outdoor drive through testing facility. Jason Gray, chief of voluntary services for the VA Boston Healthcare system shared his thoughts and thanks. “We have been working with Cheeriodicals for several years now and it is so rewarding to watch our Veterans be encouraged and excited when they see the green boxes heading their way. Now our staff, who have been caring for our Veterans, can feel the same excitement and reward for all their hard work. The bags are filled with great items that can be used at work or at home, a simple gesture that means the world to those working so hard to treat and care for our Veterans. Partners like Republic Services and Cheeriodicals make our job just a little easier and for that, we owe them a huge thank you.”

Delivering Cheer to Hospitalized Children

The smiles didn’t stop there. In addition to the Hospital Heroes gift bags, Republic Services also focused on pediatric patients at children’s hospitals. With the new social distancing restrictions, most children’s hospitals are no longer allowing visitors (other than 1 parent) which increases feelings of loneliness and isolation. Knowing this, Republic Services sent a total of 328 children’s Cheeriodicals to patients at Banner Thunderbird Children’s Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ, Franciscan Children’s Hospital in Boston, MA, Mercy Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, and Seattle Children’s Hospital in Seattle, WA. Each Cheeriodicals gift box was filled with age-appropriate crafts, activity books, and toys to provide hours of entertainment for the hospitalized children needing a reason to smile.

“What a fantastic combination of items for our patients all the way from essentials to yummy treats and a bunch of fun activities to do being delivered in the brightest, most cheerful green box,” said Wendy Pauler, senior manager child life, Banner Thunderbird Children’s Medical Center.

A grandmother shared her thoughts after a young boy received his box at Mercy Children’s in St. Louis. Her comments reflect the joy that Republic Services provided through these gifts. “My grandson received one of your gift boxes at Kids Mercy in St. Louis. He had just returned to his room after some tests. The smile on his face rivaled the sun! Great program! Thank you Republic Services for partnering with Cheeriodicals.”

These times are difficult and unprecedented for hospitalized children, their families and the hospital staff. It is up to us as responsible companies and responsible contributors to society to support those that could use a dose of cheer and happiness.

Delivering smiles and cheer is our mission at Cheeriodicals and we are thankful to have a partner like Republic Services that believes in furthering our mission. Thank you, Republic Services!

If your company would like to learn more about how to sponsor a delivery to Hospital Heroes, hospitalized children, or Veterans, contact us here. By working together, we can deliver cheer and smiles to those who need it most, when it matters most.