Memes quoting Mr. Rogers have been flooding social media feeds: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mom would say to me ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” His words could not ring more true than right now.

In these uncertain times of quarantines and social isolation, economic hardships and lives at stake, the “scary things” can feel overwhelming. With my family members working the front lines and Teak’s nonprofit clients’ tireless efforts to ensure communities have what they need during this global pandemic, I am beyond blessed to see the helpers every day in action. So many of the nation’s largest manufacturers, from LL. Bean to New Balance, are changing production lines to make lifesaving medical supplies. And, let’s not forget the efforts of our very own sports heroes, the New England Patriots, led by owner Robert Kraft, to retrieve 1.2 million N95 masks from China and donate $100,00 to local food banks, setting a new standard of community service for professional sports teams. Today’s post highlights three companies that are prioritizing people over profits, leveraging their assets and reach to lend a helping hand to communities in their own authentic ways during the coronavirus crisis.

Anheuser-Busch: One Team

While package stores are considered an essential business and remain open during the shutdown, Anheuser-Busch, the world’s largest beer brewer and the country’s largest sponsor of live sports and entertainment, has more on its mind. The company has partnered with the American Red Cross to utilize its key resources: money, contacts and space. What started as a $5 million donation to the emergency response nonprofit has transformed into a stadium and facilities takeover. The company and its sports partners are leveraging arenas and stadiums for temporary blood drive centers as blood donations are in low supply during a time of great need, utilizing the company’s media buys for PSA airtime. And, it has repurposed its facilities and supply chains to make and distribute hand sanitizer in response to the growing need, leaning on the American Red Cross to ensure bottles get into the hands of communities most in need. To engage customers in the campaign and celebrate our healthcare heroes, Budweiser created the video One Team to remind Americans we are all in this together.

Crocs: A Free Pair for Healthcare

For years, the Crocs Classic Clog has been the staple footwear for healthcare workers across the U.S. Last month, the company launched its “Sharing a Free Pair for Healthcare” campaign in which Crocs is donating 10,000 pairs a day, with free shipping, to healthcare workers, their hospitals and other healthcare facilities and even their families, who sacrifice as their loved ones proudly and without hesitation serve their communities. Despite closing all company retail outlets, the company is responding to customer inquiries while staying true to its mission: being in the business of providing comfort. The rubber waterproof shoes are built for long days on your feet and can be completely sanitized at the end of each shift. As long as supplies last, healthcare workers and their families can apply for a free pair: www.crocs.com/freeforhealthcare.

Draper James: #DJLovesTeachers Program

One of my favorite actresses, Reese Witherspoon, is honoring perhaps some of the less visible but very important helpers during the coronavirus crisis – teachers – through her Draper James lifestyle brand. With schools closed nationwide, many until the next school year, teachers for students of all ages have transitioned to remote learning and are finding creative ways to keep youth engaged. Online learning poses many new challenges for educators and students alike, such as accessing computers and learning the digital platforms themselves, but Witherspoon as a mom appreciates just how hard they are working. As a thank you, she is giving away free dresses. Teachers can apply for one and choose from dozens of styles on the Draper James website: www.draperjames.com.

Thank you to everyone working the front lines, companies leveraging their resources to help and everyone else doing their part by staying home. Don’t forget to look for the helpers. We are all COVID-19 crusaders!