A Stayton coffee shop’s “daily dose of kindness” is sweeping the community.
“Doesn’t it make you feel good to see people happy and smiling?” proposed Kelly Stevens to her Facebook page visitors. Stevens owns Naked Cat Coffee, LLC. & Sweets, which shares space with Third Avenue Eatery downtown.
“Someone new is being recognized every day!” Stevens said. “If your name is on the board, then someone is recognizing you for something wonderful. It means you are super loved and appreciated!”
Since the pay-it-forward event started in late January, more than 100 people have been honored with a coffee or other drink of choice. With the purchase of a drink to appreciate a favorite person, names are listed on the Pay It Forward blackboard in the coffee shop. Stevens also notifies the recipients and, when they redeem their reward, posts their photo online, complete with a paragraph on why they were honored. Who bought the drink usually remains a secret, she said.
Love continues to spread to the comments below each announcement, a great way to learn about neighbors, community workers and friends, she added.
Andrea Rogers earned her sour gummy Red Bulls drink from Ali Johnson who paid for the next person to come through Naked Cat’s doors.
“Then that person said to give it to the next person and it was Andrea,” Stevens said. “She is an exceptional hair stylist here in our town of Stayton. Super sweet and happy always. Very giving too.
“She loves sour flavors,” she added. “Sour gummy is her flavor!”
Rogers also purchased a pay-it-forward drink for a person Stevens posted on the blackboard the following day.
When people pick up their drinks, they are given a second dose of love with more than a few kind words. Sandi Runion works in the floral department and customer service at Safeway and was commended for always smiling.
“A lot of people love her, including my co-worker Tami,” Stevens said. “She’s the one who bought her a drink. A hot mocha with whip. Extra big for her because she’s the best!”
Comments followed such as “sweetest lady ever,” “well deserved” and “one very special lady.” Runion responded with: “Thanks for the wonderful kind words. Thank you, my bestie Tami, for the coffee. I love this community!”
Stevens had no idea the venture would be this popular. She said she got the “incredibly wonderful” idea from Quonna Bender from Wolfgang’s Thirst Parlor Tap House.
“The positivity this is creating is beyond belief,” Stevens said. “I think it’s exactly what we all needed!”
According to Stevens, the happy smiles continue. She invites community members to help build up the community by appreciating what others have to offer.
“It’s so, so much,” she said. “These are the people that make us strong!”
Click on the photos at facebook.com/nakedcatcoffee to bring up the information about each recipient, what they contribute to their community, and comments from the people who love them. To buy a drink for your favorite friend or community worker, send Stevens a text to 503-851-8502.
“You can also Venmo me or just come on in,” Stevens said. “Or I can call you, too, and do it over the phone. Usually, $5-7 is good for any drink. You can also text me with any questions.”
Naked Cat Coffee, LLC & Sweets is at 433 Third Ave. in downtown Stayton.
