NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Potbelly Sandwich Shop has created a fundraiser program to help feed hospital staff and public servants on the frontlines in Nashville during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program began with an initial gesture to bring lunches to nurses at Saint Thomas Midtown and Vanderbilt.

"My mother is a nurse, so I understand their level of dedication to their profession and their patients," said Chris Maples, owner of the area Potbell franchise. "I reached out to some friends and partners to facilitate bringing lunch to nurses and support staff working to save lives during this crisis, and I couldn't believe the response."

After dropping off the lunches, before Maples even returned to his store, his phone became inundated with unknown numbers. The unknown numbers were from the hospital staff, thanking him for lifting their spirits.

Thanks to the outpouring of appreciation and support to the program from companies like Pinnacle Bank, Bridge Connector, Synovus Bank and Celero, Maples saw an opportunity to do more.

"I want to open this program up so anyone can donate. Every cent will go to feeding physicians, nurses, police, EMS and staff on the frontline as much as we can during this crisis, so they have one less thing to worry about. The more we can raise, the more heroes we can feed, daily."

Maples sees this is a way for anyone to easily give back and support frontlines workers during the pandemic, while also providing opportunity for his staff.

Maples set up a fundraising page that is open to donations feedBNAheroes.com. He also encourages companies and individuals interested in sponsoring a meal to contact him directly at cmaples24@yahoo.com.