Crocs is giving away 10,000 pairs of shoes a day to healthcare workers battling COVID-19

The Coronavirus outbreak has shown us just how easily our society would crumble if it were not for healthcare workers. Doctors, nurses, paramedics, etc have been tirelessly working around the clock all over the world to treat those who've been infected while at the same time putting their own health at great risk. Although we can never truly repay them for their great sacrifices a few companies are doing their bit to express gratitude and appreciation. Starbucks recently announced that any first-line responder to the pandemic will receive free coffee at its outlets all the way till May. Now, Crocs—the preferred footwear of many healthcare workers—is doing something similar.

According to CNN, Crocs recently announced a program to donate 10,000 pairs of shoes a day to healthcare workers fighting against the novel Coronavirus. "Over the past week, we have spoken to healthcare workers, their facilities and even their family and friends, and they have specifically asked for our shoes in an effort to provide ease on their feet, as well as ease of mind as they need the ability to easily clean up before they go home to their families," said Crocs CEO Andrew Rees.

Made out of a rubber-like molded polymer resin, Crocs are a favorite among doctors and nurses for its waterproof and washability properties. These properties come in extremely handy in an ER, and more so in the current scenario when it is of the utmost importance that people take special precautions to avoid being infected. The company explained that it is delivering some shipment of shoes straight to hospitals and other facilities. However, healthcare workers can also sign up for the free shoes by going to www.crocs.com/freeforhealthcare. Crocs has vowed to continue donating shoes until stocks last.

"The duration of our giveaway will depend on our level of inventory and the amount of requests we receive," said Rees. "These workers have our deepest respect, and we are humbled to be able to answer their call and provide whatever we can to help during this unprecedented time." Announcing the initiative on Twitter, Crocs tweeted: Our goal has always been to keep people comfortable in their own shoes and now, in the face of adversity, there are certain individuals who need that feeling more than ever. Crocs is donating a free pair of shoes (with free shipping) to healthcare workers on the frontlines of COVID-19. If you're a healthcare professional in need of our easy-to-clean, comfortable Crocs shoes, we've got you taken care of.

A number of other companies have also up to assist frontline workers during the COVID-19 crisis, including Gap Inc. and automakers of the likes of Ford, General Motors, and Tesla. According to USA Today, Gap Inc.—the owners of clothing chains including Gap and Old Navy—is shifting its resources to make vital protective gear for healthcare professions treating infected patients. "Our teams are connecting some of the largest hospital networks in Calif. w/ our vendors to deliver PPE supplies," the company said in a statement.

Meanwhile, General Motors and Tesla are devoting their resources to help solve the nation's worrying shortage of ventilators while Ford Motor weighs similar plans. President Donald Trump hailed the companies on Twitter, writing: Ford, General Motors and Tesla are being given the go-ahead to make ventilators and other metal products, FAST! Go for it auto execs, lets see how good you are? The move comes after the Food and Drug Administration announced that it has reduced certain barriers in the medical device approval process to facilitate the speedy production of ventilators. Health and Human Services Secretary, Alex Azar, said in a statement that automakers and other manufacturers will be able to "more easily repurpose production lines to help increase supply" due to the changes.