When beloved Starbucks barista Karen Collingsworth needed money for a new car, she never expected a handout. But to her shock and surprise, her coworkers and customers rallied together and raised $40k to help her out!
Karen Collingsworth is one of those individuals who does her job each day to the very best of her ability. And she doesn’t just make a great cup of coffee, latte, or frappé. She smiles, listens, and interacts with customers of all ages with love and kindness. Those past and current customers were eager to help Karen when the opportunity arose!
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When, in August, Karen’s car was broken into, torn apart, and had its catalytic converter stolen, she was dealt a hard blow. Her fellow baristas at the Marshall University Starbucks knew she’d need to replace her old car before long.
Karen’s co-worker Jaiden Horn said, “ We were like, ‘She really can't be driving that car much longer. She needs something new.' And somebody came up with the idea of a GoFundMe.”
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With an initial goal of raising $5,000, money for a new car began pouring in quickly from students, faculty, and staff who’d gotten their daily doses of caffeine compliments of Karen during her Marshall University coffee career.
Donors expressed their appreciation for Karen time and time again. One wrote, “Karen always made me smile when I came into Starbucks every day! She knew my name and my order by heart. She really cared about everyone who came through the doors. When I graduated, she gave me the biggest hug and made me promise to come back and visit! I love you Karen!”
Another commented, “Karen saw me through grad school with a huge smile on her face every day. I hope she knows the impact that her presence made on so many people. It’s been nearly 10 years since I’ve seen her, but I still remember her fondly!”
Yet another sent their love and recalled Karen always making it a point to know each student that came into Starbucks, help them deal with the stress of college, and ensure their Starbucks study sessions were good ones.
Ciana, Savannah, and Makenzie, respectively, used phrases like “sweetest soul,” and “brightened my day at each visit,” and “I still remember you.” Karen has definitely made a lasting impression and impact on so many!
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As of September 1, 2023, the GoFundMe campaign had raised nearly $40,000! While the majority of donations came from those who know or have known Karen, some came from strangers who were moved by the lovely comments of others. Marshall University’s President donated $5,000, clearly well aware of the blessing that Karen is to the institution and its students!
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,” Colossians 3:23
h/t: Sunny Skyz
Featured Image Credit: Youtube/WCHS Eyewitness News
Hally is a freelance writer, blogger, and mental health advocate. A former school counselor, Hally works for a nonprofit that distributes tax dollars to mental health and prevention education providers that serve her county's kids and families. She's a contributor to a devotional and two essay collectives, and she shares resources and wisdom regarding parenting teens, mental health, faith, adoption, and more at http://www.hallyjwells.com where she strives to "Dig Deep and Reach High." She and her husband have three adult children and one rascally beagle pup. Hally loves travel, her book club sisters, personality tests, and a great glass of iced tea.