Cattlemen in Franklin County took a day off from raising cattle Thursday to give back to those who are doing their part during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they’ll be at it again Friday.

“We just wanted to do something to support our healthcare workers and first responders,” explained Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association President Caleb Beason. He said the inspiration came down from the state level, and more than a dozen Franklin cattlemen jumped on board for the local effort.

In partnership with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation and Clark Pulley, a hamburger lunch was the order of the day Thursday for healthcare workers and first responders of Red Bay Hospital, local pharmacies and the Red Bay Police Department. Beason said they hosted the lunch – complete with condiments, chips and sweet treats – at Red Bay Hospital, which served as a convenient location for the giveaway.

“There were a lot who came out there and definitely thanked us and said it was very generous,” said Beason. Volunteers served 165 hamburgers to front-line workers, who Beason praised for “the risk that those folks take every day going to work and putting their health and family on the line.”

County Cattlemen’s chapters across Alabama are joining in the effort to provide beef meals to healthcare workers, truck drivers and first responders. In Franklin County the effort will continue Friday, where Beason said the group plans to cook up about 200 burgers at Russellville Hospital for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Russellville Fire Department, Russellville Police Department and Russellville healthcare workers.

Beason said it’s “just a way to give back … to show our appreciation and thanks.” Beason said the Cattlemen’s Association hopes the gesture helps alleviate just a little bit of the physical and emotional strain these community heroes are facing.

Beason also commended those from the Cattlemen’s Association who rolled up their sleeves – and, of course, donned masks and gloves – and were involved in the effort. “I always appreciate our Cattlemen and directors who helped,” he said. “It’s all volunteer.”