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Thanking healthcare workers and fighting child hunger one sign at a time

After his summer internship was canceled, Alex Herman decided to spend his summer giving back to those who are fighting the coronavirus.

GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. — Alex Herman pulls out of the driveway and heads off to his summer job. 

It’s just not the job he thought he was going to be doing. 

“I was supposed to be doing an internship with the court system in Guilford County,” said Herman.

When the pandemic struck, the internship was put on hold. Suddenly, Herman went from knowing exactly what he’d be doing to not really knowing what his summer was going to look like. 

“I found myself with a bit extra time on my hands,” said Herman.

Always one to look for ways to help, Herman started thinking of what he could do. Prior to going to UNC-Chapel Hill, Herman volunteered at the local food kitchen in Greensboro. 

“I would help distribute meals for hungry people,” said Herman.

Like many of us these days, Herman also has a great deal of respect and admiration for everything our frontline doctors and nurses are doing during the pandemic. That’s when he decided to honor them and raise money for No Kid Hungry. The organization helps provide meals and resources for kids in North Carolina. 

“In a time like this, I just know that all the issues that exist are just being magnified and so if there is any time to jump in it is now,” said Herman.

The college sophomore designed a lawn sign thanking our frontline heroes. He's asking for a $10 donation for each sign. 

“I think the hope is people will see this as a way to do two things: show support for healthcare workers and to donate to a really worthy cause,” said Herman.

So far, Herman has raised about $500 and plans to continue the project through the summer.

“Alex is one of those examples of those bright shining stars out there who cares what happens to our children, who cares what happens to our future,” No Kid Hungry NC Project Director Tamara Baker said.

Herman, who grew up in Colorado, has recruited some friends out west to start a similar chapter and one is also getting started in Missouri. Money raised will go to food banks in the area.

If you live in the greater Greensboro area and would like to help support the cause you can click here

Herman said he doesn’t have a goal for how much he would like to raise but hopes he gets too many orders to continue delivering the signs by himself.

RELATED: 'They are the soldiers in this war' | Greensboro man raises money to feed 1,000 frontline Cone Health healthcare workers

RELATED: Free ‘Thank You COVID-19 Warriors’ yard signs

FACTS NOT FEAR

Remember facts, not fear when talking about the coronavirus. You should take the same measures recommended by health leaders to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses. That means washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, and covering coughs and sneezes.

RELATED: Facts Not Fear | What you need to know about the COVID-19 outbreak

WHERE YOU GET INFORMATION ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS IS IMPORTANT 

It is important to make sure the information you are getting about the coronavirus is coming directly from reliable sources like the CDC and NCDHHS. Be careful not to spread misinformation about coronavirus on social media. 

For more information visit the CDC OR NCDHHS

NC CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE 

The state also has a special hotline set up where you can call 866-462-3821 for more information on the coronavirus. You can also submit questions online at ncpoisoncontrol.org or select chat to talk with someone about the virus.

You can also text keyword VIRUS to WFMY News 2 at 336-379-5775 to find out more information.

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