The Big Bean Collects Cards for Troops

The Big Bean in Severna Park is once again participating in the Holidays for Heroes program, which sends cards to soldiers recovering in hospitals and overseas.

“We just asked our customers to give a little bit of their time and creativity rather than ask for money to touch someone who may need it,” said The Big Bean owner Deb Hoffman.

This is the fifth year the local coffee shop has participated in the program. Last year, with help from a local Brownie troop, they were able to ship around 100 cards.

Over the years, people have brought in unused Christmas cards and donated them to The Big Bean’s collection.

“We have a lot of cards now and we just need people to stop in a write a note,” Hoffman said.

She said the cards are shipped to soldiers recovering in military hospitals as well as those deployed overseas.

“People love it. It’s a great project,” Hoffman said. “It has been so successful because it gives them an opportunity to thank the soldiers.”

Hoffman said participating in the project is relatively easy, all she has to pay for is the shipping. Which is why she now wants to encourage other coffee business around the area to participate.

“I am looking for a local artist to create a poster explaining the process that could be used nationally in coffee stores,” she said. “That way other coffee stores can participate in the project as well.”

The Big Bean will be collecting cards until Dec. 5, and then they will be mailed to soldiers.