Temple Invites Residents to Clap for Essential Workers Tuesday

Last week, I shared the story of people across the UK stepping outside for a moment to clap for healthcare professionals and essential workers on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19.

Not gonna lie - video of the event made me a little misty-eyed. My friends overseas tell me this has become a regular occurrence, and I love knowing that.

I wrote in my article that I think we need to do something similar here, and someone at the City of Temple must have read it.

City officials on Friday invited residents to Clap Because We Care every Tuesday evening at 7 PM beginning April 7. Citizens are encouraged to step outside and clap and cheer for one minute in order to thank healthcare professionals, first responders, and all essential workers.

"From doctors to grocery store workers, these are the people putting themselves at risk for the health and safety of our community," Director of Marketing and Communications Heather Bates said. "The least we can do is to take a minute to show how much we appreciate their hard work."

I absolutely love this idea. Please help get the word out to your friends and neighbors (while maintaining a safe distance, of course), and share this invitation to social media. We need to show these folks how much their work and courage mean to us right now.

If you participate, please remember to continue practicing social distancing. I recommend just standing in your doorway or at an open window with plenty of space between yourself and your neighbors. We want to show our appreciation, but we also want to be smart and safe.

If you happen to get any photos or video, please feel free to share them with us on our Facebook page. We'd love to see everyone who's able to participate take a moment to encourage essential workers and show them some love.