Reggie Sterling

Reggie Sterling, one of FoCo Cafe's most frequent volunteers, was introduced after his church minister brought it up during a homelessness and community outreach sermon. Prior to the Cafe, Reggie had spent three years volunteering with a local rescue mission helping those in need. What surprised him the most was FoCo Cafe's dedication to the community, "here everybody cares for the community and support comes from all sides to keep the place open". In addition to providing meals to everyone in the community, FoCo Cafe also helps "sustain local farmers in producing organic food for better healthy eating". It's this deep connection between consumers and producers that make the Cafe stand out and brings Reggie back time and time again. Here he can help give the homeless and those in need a place to get "a hot meal, a smile, and empowerment". (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Spring

week to volunteer their time for a hot meal. Frequently Spring will play her dulcimer to accompany Paul's bagpipes, much to the delight of the Cafe's customers. It was as I packed up my gear that Paul inquired if I would take a picture of Spring and her dulcimer. Unfortunately, due to some recent health issues resulting in surgery and her hunt for a job, I was unable to get a full interview with her. However, her warm smile and caring attitude made it clear she was an important part of the FoCo Cafe family. (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Oliver White

Oliver White was introduced to FoCo Cafe by a friend of his and from day one he started volunteering to help repay the cost of his meals. This 'volunteer to eat' program put in place by FoCo Cafe helps people like Oliver who are living on food stamps and need to make the most of it. To him, the most surprising feature of the Cafe was their "totally different system" based in numerous eco-friendly practices such as composting and reusing materials. This came as a sharp contrast to the other volunteer organizations and churches Oliver had donated his time to. By far the most important part of FoCo Cafe to Oliver is the environment, "everyone feels appreciated" and "never judged". (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

The Pletchers

(From top to bottom) Christine, Mattison and Maggie Pletcher were introduced to FoCo Cafe after their babysitter Annie Freyshlag told them about the great volunteering opportunities available for younger children. With daughters in 4th and 2nd grade, Christine was looking for somewhere she could "volunteer with kids at this age". At FoCo Cafe, the community-driven environment was a perfect fit and both Mattison and Maggie who both love the cafe and consider it "our favorite restaurant". When volunteering, Mattison and Maggie are usually wrapping silverware, watering the plants or harvesting greens for the kitchen. To help share the work of FoCo Cafe, the Pletchers are also involved with the nationwide Kids Care Club that focuses on different organizations helping their communities. (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Manuela Girotti

Manuela Girotti, an Italian immigrant and postdoctoral fellow in mathematics at CSU, found FoCo Cafe after searching online for a local volunteering opportunity. Reminded of a restaurant she encountered on her universities campus run by students for the community, Manuela loved the concept of caring for those in need locally. What surprised her the most was FoCo Cafe's emphasis on providing "organic and quality food" to their customers since "everyone deserves good food". Manuela's favorite jobs revolve around preparing food and talking with customers, "I love cooking, chopping vegetables and talking with the customers". FoCo Cafe has also provided her a means of "getting to know people and her city" while "helping build a tighter community". (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Sheryl Martin

Sheryl Martin started volunteering weekly at FoCo Cafe after searching for a sustainable organization in need of volunteers. What surprised her the most was FoCo Cafe's "whole environment of love and appreciation" along with their commitment to serving individuals from all walks of life "whether you are a Muslim, Christian or Jew". Outside of just the restaurant, the ideas implemented by FoCo Cafe are "setting a good example for serving the poor" given our nation's desperate need to "play catch up" when it comes to providing for the homeless. Having spent over a month volunteering with the Cafe, Sheryl looks forward most to "interacting with the customers and passing out love". (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Cathy Morgan

Cathy Morgan, the co-owner of Maxline Brewing, volunteers at FoCo Cafe on her own and with her business since being introduced to the restaurant by a co-worker. What surprised her the most was "how FoCo Cafe is such a welcoming, non-judgemental gathering place for everyone". Each volunteering sessions brings something new, whether its "slicing and dicing vegetables, wrapping silverware, wiping floors or filling salt shakers", everything helps. For her company, Maxline Brewing, FoCo Cafe is a perfect fit with their "Craft. Community. Culture." slogan. By giving back to the community Maxline hopes to separate itself as "more than just a business". (Davis Bonner | Collegian)