Tamuning, Guam- Tuesday, May 5, 2020- There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacts the island community in unprecedented ways. During times of crisis, GTA joins the giving movement on May 5 (Giving Tuesday) by teaming up for our frontline workers at the Guam Regional Medical City, where hundreds of health care professionals are working day and night to take care of at-risk patients during this critical time.

On Giving Tuesday, GTA extends a helping hand to frontline workers at GRMC by providing 100 meals with ‘Thank You’ cakes to feed nurses and doctors who have been tirelessly working since the onset of the pandemic. Also, GRMC is accepting a donation of 27 wireless handsets so patients can keep in touch with loved ones during their hospital stay, in addition to increasing internet and WiFi speeds for three months to ensure connectivity is at its best.

Laura Nelson Cepeda, Director of Public Relations and Corporate Citizenship, says, "The global pandemic is impacting our healthcare system and economy in more ways than expected, and it hits us here at home. More groups are serving our most vulnerable populations and need aid to continue to serve. As corporate citizens in our community, GTA is doing our part to help. We thank all our frontline workers for dedicating their lives every day to serve our community."

While Giving Tuesday typically follows Thanksgiving to signify the start of the Holiday season, Giving Tuesday this time around allows groups and businesses like GTA an opportunity to support local non-profit groups, frontline workers, and first responders during times of need.

In March, the local telecom company launched its Team Up for Guam philanthropic initiative to help groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, GTA provided hot meals to frontline workers at GMH, DPHSS, along with first responders. Also, the company provided mobile devices to the University of Guam to help students participating in distance learning, and donated iPads to keep COVID-19 patients connected at GMH.