Fairfield Lawn Sign Project Honors Frontline Coronavirus Workers

FAIRFIELD, CT — For more than a month, state and local officials have urged Fairfield residents to stay home in order to protect themselves and others from the spread of the new coronavirus. But for some, self-isolation is not an option.

Health care workers, first responders and retail employees deemed essential by the government risk exposure to the virus every day. A Fairfield woman has organized a project to support workers on the front lines of the outbreak and raise money for local nonprofits at the same time.

Jennifer Leeper had the idea for a lawn sign that would tell essential workers how grateful the community is for their sacrifice. She teamed up with artist Tory Mileti, a Fairfield Ludlowe High School graduate who is studying art history at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Mileti designed the sign, which features images of a postal worker, health care provider, police officer and grocery store employee above the text, “Thank you first responders, essential workers, & healthcare heroes!”

“Their efforts are a huge part of what allow the majority of us to be able to stay home,” Leeper said.

The lawn signs cost $20 and the profits are being split between donations to Fairfield-based Operation Hope, which provides food and housing for those in need, and The Center for Family Justice, which is located in Bridgeport and offers services to prevent sexual and domestic abuse and violence.

The new coronavirus outbreak has drastically affected day-to-day life in Connecticut, resulting in the closure of school buildings and businesses as well as virus-prevention protocols like physical distancing and face mask requirements. There are more than 26,000 confirmed virus cases across the state and over 2,000 residents have died after contracting the virus, including 44 Fairfielders, according to state data.

Leeper announced the lawn sign project Thursday and sold 40 signs within 24 hours, she said. Leeper is a member of the Fairfield Board of Education and has filed for candidacy in the election later this year to represent Connecticut House District 132, although the Democrat said her campaign is on hold due to the virus.

To buy a lawn sign, email Leeper at jennifermleeper@gmail.com or contact her on social media.