During the height of the Coronavirus pandemic, a wide variety of companies and organizations stepped up to provide free resources, products, and services to assist businesses, individuals, and frontline workers. These initiatives were designed to support those dealing with the challenges of COVID-19, ranging from free at-home testing kits to promotional perks for vaccinated individuals. This article details the types of freebies available, eligibility requirements, and how consumers could access these offers based on information available during the pandemic.
General Pandemic Freebies and Resources
According to data updated in September 2020, there were 318 known deals and free resources curated for the pandemic. These offers targeted businesses, organizations, and individuals affected by the virus. The resources included free or heavily discounted products, services, subscriptions, and memberships. While the specific list of 318 deals is not fully detailed in the source material, the scope covered various categories intended to provide relief during the crisis.
Freebies for Healthcare Professionals
Frontline healthcare workers, particularly nurses, received a significant number of targeted offers during the pandemic. These were often promoted during Nurses Week 2020 and throughout the crisis to acknowledge the efforts of those in the healthcare sector. The offers ranged from practical items to training certifications.
- Hertz Cars: Hertz offered a free rental car for an entire month to those working in New York City. Applicants were directed to the Hertz website to apply. (Note: Source material indicates the deal limit was reached).
- Intelycare: Intelycare provided a 100% free COVID-19 Nurse Training Certification for nursing professionals. Upon completion of the training, participants received one free contact hour.
- JINS Eyewear: Healthcare workers had the opportunity to enter a drawing for a free pair of JINS Eyewear glasses. Due to high demand, the offer was adjusted to select five winners per day. The offer was valid while supplies lasted.
- Kizik Shoes: Kizik Shoes donated 1,000 pairs of hands-free shoes to nurses and doctors. To request a free pair, eligible individuals filled out a form on the company's webpage. (Note: Source material indicates this deal ended on April 24).
- Knack: Knack offered a "Knack Pack" as a prize for nominated nurses during Nurses Week. The company selected one winner per day from submitted nominations. (Note: Source material indicates this deal ended).
- Masks by Decor8 Interiors: Decor8 Interiors provided free masks to the healthcare industry. Due to overwhelming demand, the shipping time for free masks was approximately nine weeks from the date of the request.
In addition to these specific offers, the source material notes that many companies donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), money, and time to support the healthcare industry.
Incentives for COVID-19 Vaccination
As vaccination efforts rolled out across the United States, businesses and local governments introduced various incentives to encourage residents to get vaccinated. These perks were often available upon proof of vaccination, such as showing a vaccination card.
National and Regional Trends
Incentives included free food, alcohol, sporting event tickets, scholarships, and large-scale lotteries. These initiatives were part of a broader push to increase vaccination rates, with goals set by entities such as the White House to reach 70% vaccination of the adult population by July 4, 2021.
Philadelphia-Specific Offers
Philadelphia businesses ramped up efforts to incentivize residents following the city's entry into Phase 2 of its vaccine rollout plan. For the more than 600,000 Philadelphians who were fully vaccinated at the time, a slew of free perks were available.
- Evil Genius Beer Company: Residents who received their COVID-19 vaccine in May 2021 could get a free 16-ounce brew from Evil Genius Beer Company.
- Other Perks: The local initiative also included offers for free donuts, gift cards, and other discounted goods for individuals flashing their vaccination cards.
At-Home COVID-19 Resources
A specific category of freebies focused on at-home resources, including testing, treatments, and financial assistance. To be listed in available resource compilations, the item had to be free and available for delivery to the home or accessible at home.
- Free At-Home Testing: Lists were maintained to help consumers find free at-home COVID-19 testing kits.
- Financial Assistance and Services: Resources extended beyond physical products to include financial assistance programs and other free services designed to be delivered to the home.
Consumer Safety and Scam Awareness
While many legitimate freebies were available, consumers were warned to be vigilant against scams exploiting the pandemic. The Federal Trade Commission and other consumer protection groups highlighted specific risks.
- Stimulus Check Scams: Scammers used text messages, social media, and phone calls to offer fake "stimulus checks" or free money. Government agencies do not communicate via social media to distribute funds.
- Fake Member Offers: Text messages claiming to offer freebies for members of organizations like Costco Wholesale as part of a "COVID-19 stimulus package" were identified as scams. Consumers were advised not to click on links in these messages to avoid malware or ransomware.
- Employment Scams: Scammers targeted those seeking income by requesting money for "background checks," "position guarantees," or "supplies." Legitimate employers do not require payment to hire a candidate.
Consumers were advised to verify the legitimacy of any offer by visiting the company's official website directly and contacting them via phone.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a unique wave of corporate and community generosity, resulting in a wide array of freebies for consumers, healthcare workers, and vaccinated individuals. From free rental cars and training certifications for nurses to free beer for the vaccinated and essential at-home testing kits, these offers provided financial relief and morale boosts during a difficult time. However, the prevalence of these offers also attracted scammers, making it crucial for consumers to verify the source of any freebie and avoid unsolicited messages promising unclaimed funds or prizes.