The concept of buying a suspended coffee is becoming increasingly popular. People buy their own drink and pay in advance for a coffee that can be claimed by someone in need. It is a simple way to help someone we might never meet. It also enables our local coffee shops to be there for all the community.
Our local coffee shop, The Corner Coffee House encourages this scheme and it has become a refuge for many in the local community. It welcomes everyone regardless of their background.
Jaime Thurston sets a challenge in her book, Kindness the little thing that matters most:
“If you can afford a little bit extra, consider buying two things instead of one as you go about your day.”
Another great opportunity to put this into practice is by contributing to the collection baskets for foodbanks that you see at supermarkets. Popping an extra item or two into your trolley can make a big difference to someone’s life.
For me, this relates to what Jesus said about how we should live: “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same” (Luke 3:11, NIV Bible).
So, let’s take up the challenge and see how we can offer ‘suspended help’ to people in our own communities.