Starbucks Is Giving Out Free Coffee! But There's a Catch: You Have to Pay It Forward

Amid the government shutdown, the coffee corporation is hoping people will show each other a little kindness

By John Boone Oct 09, 2013 6:18 PMTags
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Starbucks is giving away free coffee.

(We'll pause for a moment while you celebrate, you SBux junkie, you.)

There's only one catch: You have to be kind. As the government shutdown continues to blunder on, with everyone blaming everyone and no end in sight, the coffee conglomerate is hoping to inspire a bit of generosity.

From today, Oct. 9, to Friday, Oct. 11, Starbucks customers will receive a free tall brewed coffee if they buy the next customer in line his or her favorite beverage, "not as an act of charity or thanks, but an acknowledgement of commonality and humanity," CEO Howard Schultz explains.

"Our customers do amazing things everyday," Shultz explains of their #payitforward movement. "The gesture is small, but the act is endlessly inspiring...In times like these, small acts of civility like these make a big difference.

"We're hoping this small motivation will encourage you to be the spark of connection that helps bring us all a little closer at a time when showing our unity is so important," he continues.

In a memo to his staff, via USA Today, Schultz said the campaign was a way to "support and connect with one another, even as we wait for our elected officials to do the same for our country."

So buy that Republican behind you his Americano. Treat that Democrat to her Pumpkin Spice Latte. Pay for that Tea Partier's tea. We're all just people looking to get our caffeine fix, after all.