Starbucks offers free coffee for front-line responders during December

Now through the new year, Starbucks is giving away a cup of cheer to front-line workers in response to the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases.

The Seattle-based coffee chain announced Tuesday that "any customer who identifies as a front-line responder to the COVID-19 outbreak will receive a tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) at no charge."

"It has been an extraordinarily difficult year, especially for the front-line responders who are serving our communities," Virginia Tenpenny, Starbucks vice president, Global Social Impact said in a statement. "We want to show our deep gratitude for those who support and protect us every day with a small gesture of kindness and a cup of coffee."

The month-long offer can be redeemed at any U.S. Starbucks company-operated location and select licensed stores.

The coffee chain has continuously updated its employees and patrons of policies and how they are charting the waters of the COVID-19 outbreak and previously provided free coffee throughout the spring months when the outbreak first emerged.

This offer is extended to police officers, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, nurses, hospital and medical staff, and medical researchers.

Additionally, Starbucks said it has "donated $100,000 to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to support virtual mental health resources for front-line responders and has plans to surprise 50,000 front-line responders with care packages and Starbucks gift cards this holiday season.