John, I know many of us are looking forward to a warm, healthy holiday season with our families and loved ones. As we approach another holiday season amidst this pandemic, we cannot forget our frontline workers who are still so bravely battling this virus day in and day out for us.

From health care workers caring for the ill and keeping our hospitals clean, to grocery store and public transportation workers. Throughout this pandemic, they have kept our country and our economy moving at risk to their own health and their families – and right now, we are facing a surge in COVID-19 cases and our frontline workers are spread too thin. It is a scary and uncertain time, but I know we have the best workers in the world on the case keeping us safe and healthy.

They’ve made great sacrifices throughout this pandemic, and that doesn’t change during the holidays. Many will not have the opportunity to spend time with their families this holiday season because they must carry out their essential work. And of course, this season will be especially difficult for families who lost loved ones to COVID-19, and I am hopeful the season lands gently for anyone who is struggling.

The holidays are a natural time to express gratitude and carry out acts of kindness – and our frontline workers need our support more than ever. I proposed a fund to help frontline workers who contracted COVID-19. The fund would cover their primary health care and any health care claims associated with post-COVID conditions or long-haul COVID. It would also support spouses and dependents of those whose loved ones died of COVID-19 while working in a frontline job. This is the least we can do for these brave Pennsylvanians and Americans.

Before we make this fund a reality in the U.S. Senate, though, it’s important we do all we can to support frontline workers through organizations that are supporting them, like Direct Relief's COVID-19 Relief fund.

Will you send a donation of any amount to help Direct Relief support frontline workers this holiday season?

Thank you. Our frontline workers have sacrificed so much, and they deserve all the support we can give. I hope you’ll take a few moments this holiday season to thank a frontline worker.

Happy holidays,

Val