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There are so many ways to say “thank you” to the first responders in our community, who are putting their health and safety on the line in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and some local residents have found a unique way to show their appreciation. Caffeine.

Paramedics, firefighters, police officers, and medical personnel can all visit FoJo Beans coffee roasters in downtown Hamilton to pick up their favorite beverage at no cost, thanks to the generosity of community donors who helped to establish a fund for first responders and healthcare staff.

Hamilton resident Deb Hirsch started the fund with the first donation, followed by �IJʿ���’s Vice President for Communications Laura Jack. 

“I’m lucky enough that I can work at home, and I was trying to find a way to support our first responders and our healthcare workers,” Hirsch said of the newly established fund. “I’d help sew masks, but I can’t sew. We are just so lucky to have so many healthcare workers and community volunteers, I just wanted to do something, anything, to help out just a little bit.”

That seed money has gone into what Fojo co-owner Dan Foust calls a pay-it-forward fund. After the idea was posted to social media. Foust said they started seeing more folks contribute to the effort, which is now up to more than $1,100 dedicated to covering the cost of any barista beverage at the artisan coffee roaster.

Foust said first responders and healthcare workers can order any beverage off of the menu, from matcha tea to mocha lattes. 

“I wanted to show my appreciation for our small businesses, first responders, and the healthcare providers at Community Memorial Hospital,” said Jack. “It was a small act but hopefully it shows my gratitude.”

Foust said the effort not only helps boost the spirits of the community’s first responders and healthcare providers, but it’s also a much-needed boost to his business.

“It just started taking off,” Foust said. “It’s just a really nice way for the community to give back.”