"It has been an extraordinarily difficult year, especially for the frontline responders who are serving our communities. 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."

Virginia Tenpenny, vice president of global social impact at Starbucks, commenting to CBS News this week for its report, “Starbucks offering free coffee to health care workers and first responders for the entire month of December.”