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Pour it forward

Sharing a cup of coffee in Manawa

By Holly Neumann


A simple gesture of a cup of coffee from an anonymous source is bringing smiles to customers visiting Deja Brew Coffee Lounge.

“It’s really simple,” said Jamie Lane, who owns the establishment at 343 S. Bridge St., in Manawa. “People can prepay a drink for anyone. They purchase any drink or ice cream and write the item on a coffee sleeve along with the person’s name and clip it to the board.”

When the unsuspecting customers see their names on the sleeves, they may redeem their drinks.

“People can write it for a specific person, or leave it open ended,” Lane said. “Some have written “for a fireman or for a veteran.”

Lane said there is nothing new about random acts of kindness.

“This is just a way to put it out there for people to participate in,” she said. “Think of it as a way to encourage generosity and thoughtfulness.”

Rev. Nate Reichle, of St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, has been known to purchase a coffee or two for a variety of people in the community.

“It is good when a community generously shares with each other,” he said. “It happens at important times, namely disasters and tragedies, but it is good when it happens on any old day too.”

Lane agrees.

“It’s so easy to get caught up in the routine of life and forget about humanity,” she said. “This is a way for people to stop and think about someone who has made an impact in their life and show their appreciation. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it doesn’t cost much money, but can make a huge impact on someone’s day.”

The response has been more than what was expected.

“We were amazed and humbled by this random act of generosity and kindness,” said Sandie Wilz, of Eastling Insurance. “It’s unbelievable how one’s caring act, however large or small, can be the reason one received an unexpected hug that warmed their hearts all day long.”

“It has been exciting to see the response,” Lane added. “Not only do we get to see how happy someone gets when they see their name on a sleeve, but the excitement people have when they leave a sleeve as well.”

Adding to the fun is the curiosity from the recipients who always want to know who it was.

“We just say that it was someone who appreciates you,” Lane said.

She said there is so much kindness in the world despite what is sometimes seen in the news and on social media.

“Sometimes people just need an outlet to spread happiness,” she said. “It’s a fun way for people to do a little something special to make someone happy. That’s really what makes this world go around.”

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