(LaPorte, IN) - They’re sort of unsung heroes working longer hours at a higher risk for exposure to COVID-19.

Help and a pat on the back is now headed their way.

$50 gift cards for Al’s Supermarket will start being distributed next week to a select number of employees at LaPorte Hospital.

People like receptionists, housekeepers, food servers and maybe a few lower ranking members of the medical staff will get the first ones, said Carrie Garwood of Bethany Lutheran Church.

The church putting up $2,500 of its own funds just received a $5,000 grant from the United Way of LaPorte County for the cause.

Garwood said the effort sprung from hospital employees short on time and desire to shop for groceries and further their risk for exposure to coronavirus after completing their shifts.

She said the gift cards can be used to order groceries ready for curbside pick-up within 24-hours.

“It’s kind of a way to give back to the people who may be forgotten right now in that health care line of work,” Garwood said.

Gift cards will be given weekly to a different group of hospital workers.

She said the effort could be extended to employees at the Franciscan Health campus in Michigan City if more donations come in.

The United Way of LaPorte County has raised over $100,000 in recent weeks specifically for COVID-19 relief.

The contributors include an anonymous $25,000 donation and others like GAF Materials, American Licorice Co. and Meijer.

“We’re working together to make sure that people who have boots on the ground and doing the work right now are funded,” said Dave Sisk, director of corporate engagement for the United Way of LaPorte County.