Durham Reporter

The Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce will host the First Responders and Community Champions Appreciation breakfast a little differently this year, the chamber leaders said.

Since COVID-19 has created restrictions on social gatherings and other activities, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce said in statement on Sept. 2, it would instead provide meal delivers and gift cards from local restaurants.

"As we work through supporting our families, friends, and neighbors during these unprecedented times," the chamber said in the statement, "it’s clear that the Community Champions who have been on the frontlines for all of us include not only first responders but also frontline healthcare, education, childcare, and other essential workers."

The gift cards and meal delivers, the chamber said in the statement, started the week of Sept. 11 and will culminate with a virtual event on Wednesday, Sept. 30 in place of the in-person breakfast.

With the event, the chamber will recognize first responders and essential workers serving 15 divisions, including the city of Durham, Durham County, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, North Carolina Central University, Durham Technical Community College and Duke University.