I like a freebie as much as the next person, but is Starbucks’ free coffee offer in exchange for community service worth the perk? I’m not so sure.
Starbucks will give out free “tall” coffee Jan. 22-25 to customers who fill out pledge cards in stores to donate five hours of their time to a volunteer opportunity of their choosing. The campaign, called “I’m In,” is the company’s attempt to boost volunteerism is wake of President Barack Obama’s call to renew community service efforts.
The coffee chain, which is partnering with nonprofit group HandsOn Network, hopes to collect pledges for more than 1 million hours of service through the effort. While I applaud the idea, Starbucks should come up with a better incentive to really bring in the masses. How about throwing in one of those delicious pastries to complement the drink, too?
My guess is the campaign response will be low. Unfortunately, consumers have other things on their minds, such as whether they will be able to make their next mortgage payment. And who is to say pledge-makers will even follow through with their good deeds? I hope I’m wrong.
I don’t need free coffee to want to perform a good deed. A simple thank you will be just fine.
Network
