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Julie DeLucia doesn’t hold back when it comes to giving thanks to those on the front lines during the coronavirus pandemic.
Her message is clear with a sign of the times – she greatly appreciates the way they go the extra mile to help others.
“I’ve always been a big fan of our first responders and appreciate how they risk their lives for us daily,” said the talented South Pasadena graphic designer who has mass produced uplifting signs that appreciate the work of not only police and fire departments but grocery workers, physicians, postal employees, teachers and other heroes who have kept individuals safe during these difficult times.
More than 700 signs with a giant THANK YOU are scattered throughout Los Angeles County – including South Pasadena – up and down the state and across the United States, from California, to Tennessee, Texas, Connecticut, Nevada, Michigan, Maine, and New Jersey to recognized those who are putting their personal safety in front of the virus.
Among those who received one of the yard signs is DeLucia’s close friend Fritz Coleman, who does the weather on NBC News Los Angeles. “At least twice a day I get someone going past my house giving a thumbs up,” he told TV viewers during a recent segment. “It’s a thing that makes people smile as people walk past (the house).”
DeLucia is selling the signs along with personal protective equipment (PPE) with a portion of the proceeds going to three groups – the South Pasadena Firefighters’ Association, the South Pasadena Police Officers Association or Fire Family Foundation, the latter providing financial assistance to firefighters, their families, fire departments, and fire charities nationwide during times of crisis. All three received $1,000 donations during a special presentation earlier this week at the South Pasadena Fire Department.
The “Thank You” sign was originally created by Adele Roy, who lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, DeLucia explaining she originally produced about 100 of them to blanket her town. “A local friend and fellow small business owner, Megan Dostal (Adele’s cousin), contacted me about taking over the production and distribution of the signs in our hometown,” explained DeLucia. “After the initial order of 125, friends and neighbors across the country wanted to join in and thank our essential frontline workers. Our goal was to thank everyone who was putting themselves in harm’s way during these unprecedented times.”
She noted no financial support to the police and fire will go toward the operations of the agencies, instead help the community, it’s members and fallen police and fire officials.
“Like many people across the country, I saw a need and sprang into action creating these uplifting signs and am also manufacturing PPE’s to help high risk people stay safe against COVID-19,” said DeLucia, whose son has just completed his EMT program at Glendale Community College in hopes of becoming a firefighter someday.
To acquire a sign of PPE’s, go to www.deLuciadesigns.com or call (626) 379-9244.
