The coronavirus pandemic has shown us the power of solidarity in times of trouble. While some people have demonstrated a stunning lack of solidarity and even humanity, others are helping their neighbors get through these difficult times.
Instead of hoarding supplies, Allen decided it was time to step in and help medical workers
We’ve all seen what it looks like when hundreds of people storm the supermarkets and start panic buying and hoarding supplies like toilet paper. At a time when some people were busy hoarding toilet paper, Allen Marshall, a native of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, was busy helping nurses who are on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19.
Allen’s wife works at a Blue Cross Blue Shield and he knows how important nurses and other medical workers are for all of us.
Allen’s act of kindness touched everyone’s hearts
During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Allen decided to use the $900 he’d accumulated in his emergency fund and set up a shop at a gas station and help the nurses fighting the coronavirus.
“I just paid for gas for a nurse who works at the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor,” he told the media. “He was on his way home from work and said he was happy to get off the exit ramp and receive free gas. Emotionally, there is no one there to thank them at work and this gesture helped him.”
“I wanted to thank the essential workers the best way that I can”
“With all that is going on with the coronavirus, I wanted to thank the essential workers the best way that I can,” he added. “I really don’t need that tool and thought this was a better way to spend the money,” Allen explained.
However, he didn’t stop there! He bought gas for more than 25 people and when he exhausted his savings he still found a way to help medical workers fighting hard against the virus. Allen flipped his sign that read ‘Free Gas For Nurses’ to ‘Thank You For All That You Do!!!”
“It takes a small gesture to show people that we care about them,” Marshall said. “The nurses and first responders need help as well during this time, and I’m doing my part in making sure they are taken care of. I just love them, and I want them to know that.”
Inspired by Allen’s act of kindness, a local woman donated $200 to help pump gas
Alana, a local woman, decided to help Allen and donated $200 to help him pump gas and continue his good work.
“I was so inspired I had to come down here and help,” she said. “So whether it was money or pumping gas or whatever I needed, I wanted to give back. These nurses are putting their lives on the line every day for us,” she said.
Allen and Alana are shining examples of human solidarity in times of trouble. Solidarity and kindness cost us nothing but make a big difference to our community in these troubling times.
