Baristas donate tips to Japan relief efforts

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Erica Picariello
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) --  Watching the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that ripped through Japan March 11, cafe workers here have decided to give back.

"When you're here (in Japan) and you see the damage done, it hits home," said Amy Turner, a barista here. "We have a lot of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Japanese nationals coming through. We do what we can to support them by giving them food, but we still wanted to be able to do more."

The baristas unanimously made the decision to donate any tips made since March 11 to aid Japan relief efforts, and on April 5th the cafe management handed a $1,691 check to Misawa's Red Cross station.

The cafe here was one of the only base establishments open after the earthquake, continuing to run on generator power. Workers handed out free food and drinks to Misawa Air Base patrons.

"Finding food off base was near impossible," Ms. Turner said. "Most of the convenience stores and grocery stores on base were closed or sold out. We did what we could to make sure everybody was fed and was able to get ahold of friends and family members."

Cafe managers noticed not only the influx of people patronizing their establishment, but also an increase in tips.

"We had a lot of customers really appreciate that we were open 24 hours and had hot food, so the first couple of weeks we had $40 to $60 tips for one eight-hour shift," Ms. Turner said. "Management noticed that we were making a lot more in tips throughout the week, and asked every barista if we would be okay with giving up our tips to the Red Cross to support Japanese relief."

Each barista agreed to donate his or her tips, and their selflessness didn't go unnoticed.

"I think that what the (cafe) has done is fantastic," said Michael Patton, the Misawa Red Cross station manager. "They've supported the operation from the very beginning with free coffee and everything for the volunteers. This is overwhelming that they are continuing to support the operation in this way."

Because the money is being donated directly to the Red Cross, the donation can be put to use immediately.

"This money will go to our national headquarters, which funnels it directly into the Japanese Red Cross society, so they can put it to use where they need it the most," Mr. Patton said.

Though the final donation amount totaled almost an entire paycheck for a new military non-commissioned officer, the baristas said they didn't even blink when it came to the decision to donate their tip money to aid Japan, because it was like helping family.

"This is my home," Ms. Turner said. "Japan is my home. I know that a lot of the other workers feel that way too. Even if they're not Japanese ... this place is really safe and calm. Misawa is a big family."

The baristas said they continue to save their tips and plan on making another donation in the coming weeks.