COFFEE, COATS, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
CHICAGO COFFEE SHOP OWNER DONATES 6,000 COATS TO THE CITY’S HOMELESS
SUDOKU community initiative that collects winter coats and other warm clothing and hygiene products to distribute among Chicago’s homeless populations. It’s all free of charge, and everyone who stops by to pick up a coat, hat, or good pair of socks also gets a fresh cup of Pilot Pete’s Coffee. For the past seven years, Thomas has been the primary energy behind “Coffee With a Purpose,” an annual “I love working with coffee as a tool of motivation to fuel and ignite people to soar beyond their expectations and to soar beyond society’s expectations.” That’s what inspires and drives the Pilot Pete’s Coffee and Treats owner, Peter Thomas, to look for ways to serve the people who need help the most in the Chicago area. While many early morning patrons consider a hot, fresh cup of joe a service to the community, Thomas has exceeded his customers’ expectations in every way — especially when it comes to helping Chicago’s homeless population.
This is such a solid initiative to serve the downtrodden of the Windy City during their blustery winters that other local businesses have since joined Thomas in his efforts. During its most recent run, a local bakery donated treats to serve with the coffee, a local moving company provided a truck to haul the coats and coffee around the city, and a local design studio made the custom signs advertising Thomas and his company’s purpose. It’s become such a success that earlier this year, they donated around 6,000 coats to homeless people throughout the city. This year, there were more people in need than ever before, with many shelters on lockdown because of the pandemic. But Thomas felt good about their efforts. In
donating warm coats and coffee to the homeless, he feels as though he establishes a deeper connection with a group of people that often go overlooked in the city. And honestly, what better way to get to know someone and their story than over a good cup of coffee?
NIBBLES WITH NUG
EASY & HEALTHY GREEN RICE Inspired by 101Cookbooks.com
INGREDIENTS •
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1/2 cup yellow onions, finely diced 1/2 cup green peppers, diced 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 cup tightly packed spinach leaves 1 cup tightly packed kale leaves, stems removed
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1 1/2 cups vegetable stock 2 tbsp full-fat coconut milk
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 tsp kosher salt
DIRECTIONS
1. In a blender, purée spinach and kale with vegetable stock, coconut milk, and salt. Set aside. 2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, sauté onions and peppers in olive oil until soft. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. 3. Stir in rice and cook and toast for 1–2 minutes before adding the blended mixture. Increase heat to bring to a boil. 4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until liquid has evaporated, 15–20 minutes. 5. Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
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