Here is the feel good story of the week: A family-owned Queen Creek coffee shop has sent about 200 pounds of coffee to soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past two years, with the help of customer donations. Rich Aroma Coffee Co. uses donations to pay for about half of the nearly 40 pounds of coffee it sends overseas every two months, store owner Dave Rich said. The store supplies the rest of the dark-roast coffee for free, he added. “I just want (the soldiers) to know that I appreciate what they’re doing,” Rich said. “No matter what people think of the war over there . . . they’re doing their job.” The store launched its “Coffee for Soldiers” program in summer 2005. Most customers donate the change from their drink orders, Rich said. “Coffee for Soldiers” has raised more than $1,000. Every $4 to $5 sends a pound of ground coffee, he said. The majority of the coffee goes to a battalion of Phoenix army reservists serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, Rich said. The military takes care of all shipping costs and details. Rich Aroma also sends 2-pound packages of coffee directly to former customers now fighting in the wars. “(The coffee) is a reminder of home for them because they’ve been to my coffee shop,” he said. To donate, visit Rich Aroma Coffee Co., 23670 S. Power Road, or go to richaromacoffeeco.com. Rich Aroma Coffee Co. 23670 S Power Rd #103 Queen Creek, AZ 85242 Website: www.richaromacoffeeco.com
