In Warwick, Rhode Island, a coffee shop tip jar meant to collect spare change became the center of an unexpected show of generosity. Michael Coyne, co-owner of Red, White & Brew, discovered that cash had been taken from the jar—but instead of focusing on the loss, he was most shaken by the betrayal from someone he considered a friend, his mother told WPRI.
Coyne, who is autistic and has ADHD and bipolar disorder, opened the café seven years ago after struggling to find work in restaurants. He has since welcomed every visitor as though they were an old friend. According to the Washington Post, the incident occurred on March 4, when Coyne noticed only $2 remained in the tip jar from about $20 he had earned that day.
“That really hurt me,” Coyne, 29 or 30, said. “I was disappointed for sure.”
When Coyne and his mother, Sheila Coyne, shared the theft on social media, the response from the local community was swift and heartwarming. Customers—and even some who hadn’t made a purchase—brought money “for Michael.” Sheila compared the scene to the feel-good spirit of It’s a Wonderful Life.
Within two days, the tips had swelled to around $900. Local officials joined in, with the mayor stopping by to show support, and a Warwick police sergeant who frequents the café built a lidded tip jar to prevent future thefts.
Coyne said the generosity restored his faith in people. He plans to use part of the money for car repairs and hopes to find a way to return the kindness to others.