The Union-Tribune for the past several weeks has been running “Front-line Heroes,” short items at the top of the weather page that recognize those working on the front-lines during the pandemic.
The way it works is people use an online form to nominate a person. Then Luis Cruz, the U-T’s director of community and public relations, emails the person who was nominated. The person, if they choose, sends in a dash of information about themselves and what they’re doing at this time. I take that information and prepare it for print and online publication.
I concentrate on the second part, which actually gets published. But the other day I looked more closely at the nominations. The descriptions of the work and how the nominees are affecting lives and the gratitude expressed toward them were truly amazing. At at time when the country could use something positive, these people are providing it.
Here are excerpts from a few nominations. I think readers will see what I mean.
- “(She) has been collecting small gifts, shoes, etc. for abused women for years. Every Christmas she has a get together with friends to bag hundreds of gift bags to distribute. She works tirelessly at Interfaith Community Services collecting furniture, food, blankets, backpacks, and anything needed. … Your ion has inspired many others to do what we can. If everyone was as selfless as you the world would be a better place.”
- “From the very beginning, (he) has been working hard to package and distribute the food donations I have been collecting for my school. Sometimes, when I cannot bring my donations before (he) goes home, he stays late until I get there, and helps me carry the donations into the school building.”
- “(They) have worked day and night to fund housing for unsheltered people in a Midway Hotel during the COVID crisis They are tireless advocates. By keeping homeless people off the street, they are contributing to better public health outcomes through control of COVID. They are decreasing community spread. They are heroic. Most of all they are letting the unsheltered know that someone cares.
“To both of them: My heart overflows with iration for you. … Your lives are devoted to helping others in the community. Assisting the unsheltered find housing during this crisis and finding financial coverage for their stay is just one more example of your extraordinary generosity and deep caring for some of the most forgotten people in San Diego. The community is so blessed by your presence.”
- “(He) works directly with teens who are struggling with suicidal (thoughts), active psychosis, adhd, and severe depression, anxiety, and spectrum disorders. He ensures they function at their best in a safe and trauma informed milieu. … Your work with our kids and staff over the last decade has been incredible. Hard to find someone who cares more than you … honored to work alongside you.”
- “(He) has worked nonstop to make sure our (retirement community) residents and staff are protected from the virus. He immediately built a protective partition around our reception desk and most recently built two movable visiting stations for our residents and families to be able to reunite since they’re not allowed to visit indoors just yet due to the COVID virus.
“Your acts of loving kindness, care and concern for our residents, their families and your co-workers does not go unnoticed. You are an asset to our family and very much appreciated for all you do! Thank you!”
- “Even before COVID virus (she) has dedicated her life to her job (as a nurse). She puts her life on the line every day working long hours and working holidays. I can’t the last holiday (she) spent with our family because she is that dedicated to her patients. Having two kids at home not even teens yet and risking her life and her family’s every day, (she) IS A SUPER HERO to me and everyone that knows her!
“Thank you for your dedication to your job and risking your life every day. Thank you for your love and of our family and friends. I LOVE and IRE YOU, just like everyone who knows you or ever meets you! YOU ROCK!”
If you would like to recognize someone in your community to be featured, log on to sandiegouniontribune.com/frontlinehero and share their story.
