Community Rallies Around Shop Owner After Tip Jar Theft
Michael Coyne discovered someone stole $18 from his tip jar at Red, White & Brew coffee shop in Warwick, Rhode Island on March 4th. He is autistic with ADHD and bipolar disorder, and he opened the business 7 years ago after being turned down by restaurant jobs. So he and his mom shared the theft on social media and the community showed up big time!
Customers flooded the shop with donations, including people who didn’t purchase anything but came specifically to give cash “for Michael.” Within two days, he had about $900 in tips. The mayor visited to show support, and a Warwick police sergeant built a lidded tip jar to prevent future thefts. He plans using the money for car repairs and paying the kindness forward.