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When the pandemic struck, many of us found ourselves sitting at home, either working remotely or not even being able to work at all. But not everyone was in lockdown—there were the essential workers who were out there, helping push away the tide of the coronavirus by working onsite.
Now, these people aren’t just medics, police, firefighters, grocery store employees, and pharmacists. As lockdown conditions were gradually lifted, people like restaurant workers, barbers, Uber drivers, and many others returned to work, risking getting infected, but also helping the world adapt and becoming essential workers in the process.
And even though, sad to say, the companies and institutions that these people represent were rarely actually thankful for the work they do, it’s the internet that showed just how much we should be appreciative of essential workers and how awesome they are despite the harsh circumstances.
Bored Panda has collected some of the best and most wholesome posts and stories about essential workers and why they’re awesome in appreciation of their hard work and dedication. We invite you to read through them below, and, while you're there, why not vote and comment on the ones you liked the most!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
When The Kindergartners Learn Sign Language So That They Could Wish Their Deaf Janitor A Happy Birthday
me 4 years ago
I take ASL as a second language, and it really is worth learning. I encourage you all to do it!
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
I’ve been taking it on and off for a while too and it’s both more difficult than I anticipated as well as being more useful than anticipated.
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#2
When Your Barber Was The Reason Why Someone's Last Days Seemed Like The Best Ones
Alberto Cevallos 4 years ago
no! not the ninja cutting onions again... I´m at the park right now....
Canadian in Cornwall 4 years ago
Lovely, this brought tears to my eyes, and reminds me that a colleague lost his wife to cancer last year. She was his 2nd wife to die from cancer. She'd recently had her hair cut at the place she always went. After she died, her husband sent them a letter thanking them for their care of her, and enclosing a picture of his wife with her haircut. That salon put her picture up for a whole month in pride of place. Such a wonderful thing to do.
#3
When Your Uber Driver Takes You To The Hospital And Ends Up Keeping You Company Because Your Family Is Out Of State
René Kok 4 years ago
When u have to call an uber in an emergency and not an ambulance because of costs 😢
Kay blue 4 years ago
He possibly wasn't poorly/injured enough to require an ambulance. If you can make your own way to hospital it takes the pressure off the ambulance service a bit.
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#4
When The School Bus Driver Gets A Bunch Of Valentine's Candies And Cards For The Kids He Drives Daily
Blackheart 4 years ago
This. People need to usnderstand this. Everyone I know who works in education in any capacity, does what they do for the kids.
Kanga9ine 4 years ago
This love he shares grows everywhere it's planted, making the world a better place. A happier place. I'll bet his bus is a magical moment the kids look forward to everyday.
René Kok 4 years ago
He should have said Yes ma'am I'm a schoolbusdriver and all those kids are the love of my life!
Elaine Mattingly 4 years ago
What he said was perfect. Honest answer and kind heart.
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Karen Grace 4 years ago
My daughter in law drives a school bus. She dresses up for different holidays and gives out cards or treats for Valentines day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas.
Elaine Mattingly 4 years ago (edited)
The sunshine in the life of a child who may be having a very hard day. Thank you to every kind person who made my son's life better even though you didn't know he was fighting for his life everyday because of an inherited catastrophic illness.
Load More Replies... #5
When Your Amazon Courier Also Brings Back Your Trash Cans That Have Been Knocked Over And Pushed Away By Strong Winds
John and Brandy Keippala 4 years ago
Ours helped my daughter take our cans to the curb. We have a LONG driveway and it was snowing!
deanna woods 4 years ago
I got mail for one of my delivery customers and one time I took the food in the customers bedroom. He had just had surgery and asked if I wouldn't mind doing that.
Elaine Mattingly 4 years ago
I'm telling you there are many wonderful people in this world that we may not know about and I'm glad the camaras of today are showing this happiness.
#6
When Post Couriers Take A Slight Detour On Their Route To Make A Girl's Birthday That Much Better
Billie Templeton 4 years ago
This is the kind of thing to look for in a partner. Looks matter so much less than kindness. How they treat others (without agenda) says so much about how you will be treated on good days and bad. Good looks only cause you to feel good on occasion. Fickle feelings, a kind person causes these kind of feelings on a regular basis...plus the attraction you have for them GROWS over time. ❤️
Willow Anderson 4 years ago
That’s cute but it might be preferable if he wore his mask correctly.
#7
When Road Workers Find Time To Explain To The Neighborhood Kids How Roads Work
#8
When You're On Your First Day Of School, Nervous As Heck, And The Bus Driver Holds Your Hand Throughout The Entire Trip So That You Would Feel Comforted
#9
When The Elementary School Bus Driver Asks Every Kid On The Bus What They Want For Christmas And Then Proceeds To Fulfill Everyone's Wish
Cecilia Herrera 4 years ago
God Bless You dear man. You really know how to make your students feel special.
Amy Begun Saab 4 years ago
He needs to be at the top. Taking time to get names, wishes & then shops forever and the wraps each gift?!?! My God, he is a treasure
BabaBizzle 4 years ago
He is a real life Santa 🎅🏿 he deserves all the riches of the world because he’s so pure of heart ! Imagine how little he makes (salary) but he chose to spend it making the kids happy. He’s a real gent. He deserves a massive raise and quiet bus rides every day !
Elaine Mattingly 4 years ago
It was unkind to make judgment as to his salary.
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Elaine Mattingly 4 years ago
My sister has immediate family and does that all the time. They also do Shoe Boxes that send gifts all over the world.
Load More Replies... #10
When You Treat Your Janitors Like Human Beings And Be Their Friends
Canadian in Cornwall 4 years ago
At school I used to always talk to our janitor, others just ignored him, and I think his son was embarrassed that his dad was the janitor. I felt so sorry for his son, so made a point of talking with the janitor all the time, to make it more normal. He was a lovely man, and I really enjoyed our chats.
Elaine Mattingly 4 years ago
The people who treat him like an outcast are doing sommething wrong. You are doing something normal.
okgooglefoldmylaundry 4 years ago
a little kindness goes a long way. we are all equal whether CEO or a custodian of a building.
Elaine Mattingly 4 years ago (edited)
You were fortunate to find a friend so thoughtfull as him. I wonder how many people now realize their loss. Teated like an outcast.?.......or lucky not to be included.
#11
When You Come Out To Your Very Religious Family Who Decide You're Not Welcome To Family Holidays, And Then Your Professor Invites You Over
Cecilia Herrera 4 years ago
Thank God for Professors that care enough about your students to help them through difficult times.
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
Thank the professor, not god. Believing in religion is what caused the problem here.
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Animal Lover 4 years ago
I am strong in my faith and I would never treat anyone like this person's family did. As believers, we are called to love. This religious family is totally missing what faith and love is about.Thank you Professor Jones for being there!
deanna woods 4 years ago
To anyone who has been disowned by crazy family members:You are not alone and you do have family. Every single one of us pandas is your family.
Jackie Wacky 4 years ago
Now that lovely comment is making my eyes get all soggy. Happy New Year to the gorgeous Panda family xxx
Load More Replies... Personindaworld 4 years ago
I love how even in Covid teaches and professors keep calm, and keep teaching and making people's days!
#12
When Your Cashiers Don't Know The Meaning Of Fear And Tackle A Big Spider Head-On
Cecilia Herrera 4 years ago
Good for him that he helped her out and "rehomed" the spider, instead of squishing it.
Blackheart 4 years ago
Yes, spiders eat the pesty bugs, flies, mosquitoes, etc.
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Luther von Wolfen 4 years ago
I was working in a restaurant, woman from the apartment next door came in asking for help with a black snake in the hall. We caught it in a french fry box and took it to the pet shop down the street. They said they'd release it in the woods.
Owen Salmon2028 4 years ago
they get there employess from the people that dont have arcnophobia and are amazing
I Like Jelly 4 years ago
I'd kill it... I'm terrified to death of spiders so I'd probably get a gun 😅
Vicky Zar 4 years ago
Sooo..... being terrified of something is a valid reason to kill it?
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#13
When Actual Human Beings Work In The Service Industry And Make You Feel More At Home Than Real Home
Cecilia Herrera 4 years ago
With this kind of extra service, you make your customers feel so welcome, that you probably have another customer for life.
Tammy Chapman 4 years ago
That is SO AWESOME!!! I wonder if there's a Waffle House in the small city down the road from me?
#14
When Waiters Walk The Extra Mile To Show Support For A Post-Op Client
Tammy Chapman 4 years ago
They definitely killed it!! That's one of the sweetest things I've ever seen.
Susan Trevaskis-Owen 4 years ago
"We belung together" 10 points to Gryffindor for the awesome pun!
#15
When The Local Police Bring Your Drunk Self Home
René Kok 4 years ago
This is how defunded police looks like, not jailing everybody. Most British police officers are not routinely armed
Chuck 4 years ago
The defunding was made into a gigantic deal by GOP, even though the idea had a sound foundation. What they need to do is cut back on the Military surplus. Police don't need some of the stuff they get.
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Amanda Hunter 4 years ago
Police officers are people too, you wouldn't believe the great things they do for folks they come accross.
Tammy Chapman 4 years ago
That's a trip. If that's how defunded police work, then I'm all for defunding.
#16
When Before Every Chemotherapy Session, A 9 Y.o. Stops At A Starbucks Where The Employees Give Him A Pep Talk
Cecilia Herrera 4 years ago
I read about this recently. How very thoughtful of you and your coworkers.
Louloubelle 4 years ago
I did chemotherapy as an adult. It breaks my heart to think of children going through this.
Load More Replies... Elaine Mattingly 4 years ago
When people are going through chemotherapy all kindness is appreciated more than you know.
#17
When Your Local Bus Driver Decorates Every Halloween And Gives Out Candy
Bacony Cakes 4 years ago (edited)
Next stop: Beyond this mortal plane. Followed by Charing Cross.
Anthony Goldstein (female) 4 years ago
heres one upvote cuz I can't give 10
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#18
When Your Neighbor Is A Paramedic And The Entire Neighborhood Gathers For A Round Of Applause For All The Hard Work They Do
Cecilia Herrera 4 years ago
Thank you for making their day. A show of appreciation, can really lift a person's spirit when they are under so much stress.
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
So many of these are so old and it’s just garbage to think about how much things fell apart since then. Nobody cares about the medical community anymore. They were heroes back then, things are worse now and they’re just back to being seen as slaves.
Elaine Mattingly 4 years ago
WRONG WRONG, WRONG. They were respected long before the virus and are still held in high esteam.
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Wandaluzt 4 years ago
It was. Then a large amount of people spent the rest of the year sticking their middle finger up at them. Hypocritical virtue signalling if it's done again.
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Chrissie M. 4 years ago
I guess some presents or a payrise would have been better than applause. Especially since the appreciation for health care workers has declined already.
#19
When Your Local McDonald's Sends Their Condolences Regarding Your Late Grandpa Who Used To Frequent Said McDonald's
Cecilia Herrera 4 years ago
I know this was greatly appreciated by his family. When my grandma died, her favorite waitress from a restaurant she frequented, took off and came to the funeral. We were very touched to see her there.
Madb vonMesser 4 years ago
When a waitress at my mom and dad's favorite restaurant found out mom had died she say down in the middle of the restaurant floor and cried. I know it helped my dad to know mom was so loved even by people she just met now and again.
okgooglefoldmylaundry 4 years ago
a lot of the shopkeepers of the shops that my dad frequented came to his funeral this year. my dad was so funny and always joked with all of them during his shopping trips and they came to pay respect. it was really heartwarming to see that he will be missed.
#20
When The Nurses Work 36-Hour Shifts With Just One Protective Suit And Are Soaking Wet After They Take It Off
Cecilia Herrera 4 years ago
God Bless you. May your employers rectify this situation very, very soon.
Louloubelle 4 years ago
This is both amazing, and shaming. There is absolutely no reason why the most important workers in this country don't have the equipment they need to take care of themselves while taking care of others.
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Carrot Stick 4 years ago
Thank you nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals for every thing you do
Pan Narrans 4 years ago
Why do they need to work those horrendous shifts? Even before the COVID outbreak I've seen post about those ungodly hours your nurses (m/f/?) have to work. Why why why?
Karen Grace 4 years ago
Not enough nurses. Even in the 80's while I was still working in hospitals we were often short-handed and it's only gotten worse since then.
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BabaBizzle 4 years ago
It’s not right! They should be given everything they need in droves! They’re doing “gods” work and amped up ten fold during this bloody Pandemic! They’re really the superheroes of humans !
Dyonne Insley 4 years ago
Because of all the hard work and running around they are doing. There are sweating like s**t
Load More Replies... Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
Oh wow. The fact that they can still smile is incredible. I hope things got better over there.
#21
When The Neighborhood Garbage Collectors Show Some Love For A Boy And Get Him A Swag Bag With A Garbage Truck
#22
When It's A Pandemic And This San Pedro Librarian Pedals With Books On A Mission To Gather Young Readers
#23
When You're A Kid And You Ask A FedEx Courier To Bring Your Skateboard To Tony Hawk, And He Does, And Then Tony Decides To Send One Of His Back
#24
When You Try Your Best And Your Teacher Appreciates The Effort Instead Of Being Harsh
Janelle Collard 4 years ago
I'm glad I learned math back in the 1950's! This makes NO sense to me!
Elaine Mattingly 4 years ago
Bless her heart. That child will go on to do great things because she beeleeveed.
Palo Sulek 4 years ago
this is just my try.... what is the manuscript on the right, first task...it looks to me he did it right and was corrected by nonsense numbers. And the second task - looks like the student just has the problem with misplacing the digits ? maybe I completely misunderstood what happened here :)
DogMatic 4 years ago
First question they got right, teacher ticked as correct. That's it. Second question, kid got the 5 & 3 in the wrong place, as corrected by the teacher.
Load More Replies... #25
When Your Bus Driver Takes The Time To Drive You Personally Home Because You Got Lost
Karin 4 years ago
I was waiting at a bus stop in the pouring rain not knowing my bus had been diverted when a bus on its way back to the garage at the end of the driver's shift stopped to pick me up. The driver explained what had happened and then went out of his way to drive me to a spot where I could get a working bus to my destination. ❤️
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
In Irish context of “estate.” Is it the same as what we mean in America? What is an estate in Ireland? A fancy place to live or something else?
Daniel O'Neal 4 years ago
It means a housing development, or like a pre-planned neighborhood
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#26
When Your Postman Leaves A Package As Well As Some Doggie Treats For Your Good Boy
Theoretical Empiricist 4 years ago
"So...are you going to open the door or continue to stand there and take pictures?"
#27
When A 62 Y.o. Doctor Of 30+ Years Decides To Volunteer At The Covid Unit Because He Never Thinks Of Himself—only The Patients
#28
When Your Barber Makes Sure The Homeless Live In Style
zims 4 years ago
People treat you better when you look better, that's a fact. Having a fresh cut and shave can drastically improve this man's chances of getting help and finding a way out of his homelessness.
Jackie Wacky 4 years ago
He will also feel a lot better too: big up to that kind barber.
Load More Replies... Zoe Hoesley 4 years ago
That barber is cute , i know we’re talking about good deeds but like he’s cute
#29
When Your Mailman Is An Ex-Soccer Player And Your Daughter Starts Asking For Daily Tips On It, Which Turns Into A Soccer Lesson
Cecilia Herrera 4 years ago
She'll always remember your soccer tutoring as she develops her skills. Way to encourage tomorrow's champions!
#30
When The Bus Driver Vibes With A Child And Moves To "Shake It Off" By Tailor Swift
Aria Whitaker 4 years ago (edited)
This video is incredibly adorable...look it up if you have not!
#31
When You're Quitting A "Big Box Mart" Job And The Company Doesn't Acknowledge It, But The Baker Does
Doob 4 years ago
Hehehehehehehehe Hehehehehehehehe Hehehehehehehehe Hehehehehehehehe Hehehehehehehehe Hehehehehehehehe Hehehehehehehehe Hehehehehehehehe Hehehehehehehehe
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Marina 4 years ago
me too lol, I was really struggling there for a few seconds
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Marnie 4 years ago
I know how they feel. After high school, I worked as a stockgirl at Target. At my 6-month review, my manager said that no one under him at my level (non-management) had ever gotten as high of a performance rating as me in the years he'd been there. So, I got the standard raise, which was an additional 5 cents per hour. This was back around late 80s, so that would be perhaps like an additional 8 cents per hour now. I stopped working so hard, though I was still responsible.
#32
When The Nurses At The Hospital You Give Birth At Mails You The Ultrasound Of Your Baby After You Left It In The Labor Room, Plus Congratulatory Greeting Card!
perfect pikachu 4 years ago (edited)
um, I know this isn´t related but where did you get that profile pic?(please do not downvote)
Load More Replies... Carrot Stick 4 years ago
Beautiful my mother saved a picture of my MRI brain scan when I was in third grade. Im in seventh grade now
#33
When A Restaurant Is Extra Thankful For Your Patronage
Deborah Brett 4 years ago
I hope this is referring to supporting a chinese takeaway, and not covid-denialism dine-in.
A.M. Pierre 4 years ago
I might be wrong, but I think the “irrational fear” they’re referring to is people think they can get Covid ordering takeaway because it’s a *Chinese* restaurant.
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Carney 4 years ago
Sigh...what is it about Buzzfeeders who automatically think the the worst? HELLO! In case you haven't paid attention: in the early days of the pandemic, many people were blaming all Asians for Covid. They boycotted Asian owned businesses and led hate marches against all Asians, particularly Chinese. This was and is ignorant. If you truly believe hating someone because of their race, national origin, skin color, religion, sexual orientation or any other outward difference or if you blame others for standing up against hate, then YOU are wrong and YOU are part of the large problem. This person was merely thanking a customer for being open-minded and intelligent enough to know that the virus does not discriminate and that supporting the business was the right thing to do. Of-course, some here will consider it the wrong thing to have done...nothing will change the mind of hate-motivated people.
Karin 4 years ago
A LOT of Asian people and businesses are bearing more than their fair share of the struggles against this pandemic due to the IRRATIONAL AND RACIST tendency for people to blame somebody for bad things that happen. Thank you to all the customers and other decent human beings that don't give in to that trend, and who stay human, compassionate and intelligent!
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
During the start of the pandemic, I didn’t eat out for MONTHS. I didn’t eat out until maybe September / October. So I appreciate home-cooked food way more now and also realized you can recreate anything at home except Chinese food and donuts really. That’s all I ever order now, otherwise it’s at home. Also you’d think that Chinese places would be the MOST careful since they’re the ones being scrutinized the hardest and it’s probably already more culturally acceptable to not ignore epidemics for them. It’s like the safest bet on takeaway food.
Load More Replies... Carney 4 years ago
I suspect this note was written fairly early on in the pandemic. Far too many people blamed all Asians for the pandemic and then boycotted Asian owned businesses. This was a prime example of "irrational" and discriminatory" behavior. Before assuming the worst...as too many do...consider what MAY have been the case, as in here. Some immediately jumped to the word "irrational" and thought taking precautions was irrational. No, what was and is irrational is fear based on hate and a belief in your superiority because of your skin color, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation or any other outward difference.
Lady Snowfall 4 years ago
I think you hit upon the problem. It's not about assuming the worst, however (personally I view racism to be worse than covid deniers). It has to do with the timing of the post. Those of us who misunderstood the OP to mean irrational fear of dining in did not immediately think of what happened 9 MONTHS AGO, as apposed to what is happening NOW, which in my town are a bunch of covid-deniers who are constantly and purposefully taking unnecessary risks. Before we jump all over people, we should consider that we all have different experiences and live in different places, where certain issues are more prevalent than others. It is interesting that half the commenters focused on "Mr. Chan" and the others on "irrational". It is not unreasonable for people to assume the post is refering to what they are personally experiencing currently.
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Michelle Diaz 4 years ago
"and not let irrational fear be a barrier between us" as hundreds of thousands die, many alone. not much of a hero here...
Catherine Burroughs 4 years ago
The point is that a lot of people were avoiding Chinese restaurants because they somehow thought sweet and sour chicken from the place down the block was THE source of COVID in the neighborhood. This person's order is helping Mr. Chan stay in business and feel like at least someone doesn't illogically blame them for a pandemic when we're all in the same boat (screwed, jobless, scared, and waiting for a vaccine). Not every heroic action has to be huge and public to be important.
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Sarah Nunns 4 years ago
Not giving in to irrational fear is not covid denialism, it's simply making a rational choice to not give in to fear over this virus, and trying to live calmly through it the best way you can.
#34
When Your Cashier Gives You A $1 Discount Because That's Exactly How Much You Need For Those Matador Bites
Bruce Scheiman 4 years ago
Come on,'what the hell is Cow Jerky!! OH & BTW! ITS REALLY GOOD@Mewton'sThird Paw? are you
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What do you think ?
Aski Markup 4 years ago
This warms my cold heart... Cold because of the temperature outside, not, ya know....
Aski Markup 4 years ago
This warms my cold heart... Cold because of the temperature outside, not, ya know....
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