Last weekend marked a milestone of sorts, with museums, libraries and indoor shopping malls opening their doors again, but it was business as usual for our front-line workers who have distinguished themselves at their jobs throughout the pandemic.

Pictured are Albert, Charles, and Oliver. Today we honor them for being beacons of hard work and reliability at their jobs over the last four months.

Albert’s become a valued employee at a Rite Aid north of Center City, where he works the register and helps out in the pharmacy. Customers and co-workers know him for his incredible brightness and positivity, and for the way he’s continued to show up shift after shift throughout the pandemic.

“I really like my job,” said Albert. “I get to know people, I get to meet shoppers, I get to help them out—what I like most is that I get to see people from different walks of life.”

Farther south, Charles and Oliver work as Lot Attendants at ShopRite and Walmart, respectively. Each has received high praise for the way they’ve helped others throughout the pandemic, working hard to ensure customers can safely get the essential supplies they need, and protecting themselves and others by always wearing a face mask and gloves.

“I am happy to be at work still and am doing my best to stay quarantined outside of work,” said Charles. “I hope everyone is staying safe as well.”

Over on the east side of the city you can find Michelle (not pictured), who’s become a familiar and beloved face to shoppers at Walmart. She’s been there for over a year, and has really stood out to her managers and customers in her role as a Customer Service Associate. Michelle agreed to increase her hours to 40 hours per week to cover staff shortages, and earned a $2/hour raise. Walmart shoppers know her as friendly and kind, and always willing to lend a helping hand.

Reliability and hard work have also defined Joey (not pictured), a steadfast presence at another local Rite Aid throughout the last four months. When I spoke with him, he told me he was glad to be working but was looking forward to the day when the pandemic is in the past. “I miss going into a restaurant for a burger,” he told me.

“Oh, and swimming,” he continued, shaking his head at the recent heat. “I’ll look forward to that.”

Join us in showing some love for the way our participants are going above and beyond throughout these difficult times.