Bellingham Shell station thanks hospital staff for coronavirus efforts with free gas
A Bellingham gas station is recognizing the sacrifices, stresses and hard work being put in by Whatcom County first responders during the new coronavirus pandemic and is showing its gratification the best way it can — free gas.
Bellis Fair Shell, 3970 Meridian Street, posted on Facebook Thursday morning, March 26, that it will give $25 free gas to all first-responder staff at St. Joseph hospital through April 1.
Hospital staff wishing to take the station up on its generous offer only need to show their badge to the attendant, and $25 in gas will be put on the pump, according to the post.
“It is just our way of saying thank you for all your doing, we really appreciate it!” the post read.
Social media response has been impressive, with the post shared nearly 700 times in 24 hours and commented on 72 times, as of Friday morning.
As expected, many comments thanked the station for the gesture, and one even read, “Next time I need gas that’s where I’m going! Thank you!”
The station also said in a post on Wednesday that it was offering free disposable gloves to pump gas to other customers, and full service also is available.
“Also let’s all remember this is hard on everyone so please give grace!” Wednesday’s post read.
The station’s offer to hospital first responders is not the only pay-it-forward activity Whatcom County has seen in recent days as the community responds to the hardships brought on by COVID-19.
An anonymous couple is donating $42,000 to the Hotel Bellwether to help the 30 full-time staff members through having their hours cut to near zero during the pandemic and a garden of encouraging signs has popped up outside the hospital thanking workers.
Have you seen other coronavirus-inspired acts of kindness? Please email details to newsroom@bellinghamherald.com.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
COVID-19, the new coronavirus, is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2.
The disease is spread through contact between people within six feet of each other, especially through coughing and sneezing that expels respiratory droplets that land in the mouths or noses of people nearby.
Although most of the cases have been mild, the disease is especially dangerous for the elderly and others with weaker immune systems.
Click the drop-down icon in the upper right of this card for more information on symptoms and how to stop its spread.
What you can do
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, according to the Whatcom County Health Department.
▪ Keep six feet between yourself and others when in public.
▪ Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
▪ Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with hands that haven’t been washed.
▪ Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash and then wash your hands.
▪ Stay home if you feel sick. Avoid others who are sick.
▪ If your symptoms are severe and require medical care, call your doctor first.
