THREAD: I just called @TheYankeeCandle customer service number to check on an order I’d placed a little over a week ago. Hadn’t received shipping info yet. I assumed the delay was due to the virus but wanted to ensure my order was received and see if they had a delivery estimate.

A lovely representative named Alden (?) located in the Philippines took my call. While the warehouse dept. was checking on my order, she and I chatted for a bit. She told me that she is at the Yankee Candle office, which is two hours from her home. Right now, travel is banned.

Because of the ban, Alden has been away from home, away from her family, since March 15. Almost a month.

She has been living in a hotel room provided by Yankee Candle. She also shared that her two siblings are unemployed and so she is now supporting them.

I found all this out because, despite everything Alden is dealing with, she was kind enough to ask how I’m doing, what things are like where I live, what it’s been like as a student during this pandemic, what the weather is like here, etc. This woman, 8,500 miles away from me...

Had the decency to put her own struggles aside and ask about me. At one point I honestly forgot that I’d even called about my order because she was such a wonderful, positive person. And even in describing her situation, her outlook was still bright.

She told me she and her family were looking forward to a beach vacation this summer that had been cancelled because of the pandemic. To connect with someone like Alden, someone so far away who is enduring challenges so much greater than mine, was indescribably meaningful.

I hope @TheYankeeCandle will recognize Alden and her coworkers for their continued dedication and kindness during this unprecedented moment in history. I hope Alden can return home to her family soon. I hope Alden gets to enjoys her beach vacation this summer. She deserves it.

And I hope we can all continue to thank and honor the people who are keeping the world turning for us right now. The healthcare workers, the grocery store workers, sanitation workers, and the people ensuring we receive everything we order. Even our silly candles.

End thread.