We're not out of the woods yet when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic, but thanks to everyday folks who've either avoided going out or taken precautions to help slow the spread of the disease, our hospitals have not been overrun.

Still, there have been 147 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Bell County since the virus made its way here, and Central Texas healthcare workers and first responders have been at the front lines combating it.

We all applaud their efforts, but some of us wonder what we can do to show them how grateful we are. The Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce has a great way to do that.

They're accepting donations on their website that will go toward purchasing gift cards from local restaurants, bakers, and caterers. These cards will be given to hospital workers, EMS, firefighters, and police.

If you'd like to participate, you'll be supporting local businesses and thanking local heroes at the same time.

So far, they've been able to give over 300 gift cards to workers at Advent Health and 140 to Killeen police. On Friday, April 24, they intend to share over 200 gift cards with the Killeen Fire Department. There are also t-shirts for sale, and $10 of the purchase price will go to buy more guests cards.

There's another great way for local families to get involved. You can send cards and drawings to the Killeen Chamber that will be given to hospital staff, police, firefighters, and EMS along with gift cards.

These can be mailed to:

To A Brave {Police Officer, Fire Fighter, Nurse, Health Care Worker}
GKCC
PO Box 548
Killeen, TX 76540

The Killeen community is also invited to wear blue every Friday in support of our front-line workers, and to write messages of thanks and encouragement in chalk on your driveways.

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