Frontline health care workers to receive appreciation gifts

Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation and the Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Foundation have teamed up to show gratitude to frontline health care workers in the community.

The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation provided a grant of $2,000 and St. Joseph’s Foundation is matching that grant to provide $25 gift cards for takeout meals to local restaurants to 200 health care workers while, at the same time supporting local restaurants during a time of significant stress and economic uncertainty, according to a news release.

This project is in partnership with the Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber’s new Cuisine Cash program where one can buy $25 gift cards for $20 and support more than 35 participating local restaurants, bars, and breweries during the latest shutdown.

RELATED: Chamber launches Cuisine Cash program to help local businesses The Brainerd Lakes Chamber launched the program aimed at helping local restaurants, bars and breweries during the pandemic. To date, there are 34 area businesses participating in the Cuisine Cash program where people can buy $25 gift cards for $20 and support local businesses.
“COVID-19 has had a significant impact on our frontline workers. Coupling that with the strain families are facing with job loss, distance learning, and essential worker demands, many of these workers are beginning to feel significant stress. We are excited to show our appreciation for their commitment,” David Jeremiason, director of the St. Joseph’s Foundation states in the news release.

Those who wish to support this can do so by making donations to either the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation or the Essentia Health Foundation.

Donations are accepted online at: https://bit.ly/340RV5R and select, “Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation Community Impact Fund” in the drop-down menu or check donations may be sent to 101 Seventh Ave. S. No. 100, St. Cloud, MN 56301, with “BLACF Community Impact” in the memo line.

For donations to St. Joseph’s Foundation, go to: http://www.essentiahealth.org/foundation/st-josephs/ . Cuisine Cash cards are available for purchase through the Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber at: https://brainerdlakeschamber.com/shop/ .