Dallas-Fort Worth is home to American’s largest hub and thousands of American Airlines team members. In the face of coronavirus (COVID-19), American’s team members have come together to support their North Texas community in new ways. Last week, team members could be seen across the Dallas-Fort Worth area giving back and giving thanks in their communities during these challenging times.

Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) is home to more than 153,000, many of which depend on school meals for midday nourishment. With schools closed, American was able to step in and deliver 15,000 meals to students and their families in the Dallas ISD.

“With the adjustments to our onboard service, we have been dedicated to finding creative ways to repurpose our food supply to support those most in need in the communities that we serve. We have donated more than 200 tons to food banks, hospitals and nonprofit organizations.” said Raphael Girardoni, Managing Director of Food and Beverage Services.

In Grapevine and Irving — two cities near Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) — team members provided meals for medical professionals to show gratitude for their commitment and care to our community throughout the COVID-19 outbreak. The meals were funded by American’s Team Member Recreation Committee at DFW, which typically supports team member appreciation and social events. This year — in light of COVID-19 — the committee decided to use their funds to show appreciation for their community’s health care heroes.

“We’ve all been touched by the commitment and dedication of our medical community,” said David Hedges, President of American’s Team Member Recreation Committee at DFW. “Providing these meals gave our team members an opportunity to thank them for all that they do.”

The Committee provided more than 1,400 meals to staff members at Baylor-Grapevine and Baylor-Irving hospitals.

Premium Guest Services team members at DFW have been busy sewing colorful cloth face masks for those in need. “We heard there was a shortage of face coverings for medical personnel and our team wanted to help,” said Linda Badami, Senior Manager of Premium Guest Services at DFW.

The team had an initial goal to make and deliver 200 face coverings to a hospital in need. As they began to work, momentum grew. After hearing that UT Southwestern’s Moncrief Cancer Institute was in need, team members worked to surpass their initial goal and deliver 800 masks to the Institute.

“We are so thankful for the generous donation,” said Keith Argenbright, M.D., Director of the Moncrief Cancer Institute. “Cancer hasn’t stopped during the COVID-19 crisis, and face masks are critical for protecting our patients who continue to receive life-changing care. Patients can’t see the smiles of their medical care team behind their face masks, and the warm colors and patterns of these masks will certainly bring cheer to patients. Thank you for providing our clinicians a new way to brighten a room.”