Area bank gives back to community one cup of coffee at a time

A Springfield bank has a unique way of giving back to the community it serves.

Richwood Coffee sits in the lobby of Richwood Bank on North Limestone Street, but it works a little differently than your usual coffee house.

Jonathan Whitacre, branch sales manager, said the bank brought the coffee shop in when they came to Springfield in 2019.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 put a halt on operations but starting last year the bank started seeing more interest from the public.

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“We’re not a bank that what’s people to come in and go right out. We want them to come in, build relationships, talk to us, get coffee, sit down and just spend time with us so we can get to know them,” Whitacre said.

Customers don’t “pay” at Richwood Coffee but rather make donations to a charity of their choice.

In return they get a gift card loaded with “thank you drinks” which they can use to buy a coffee, tea, or smoothie.

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For example, donating $10 would give you three thank-you drinks.

All organizations featured are local and bank with Richwood, 100 percent of profits go to them Whiteacre said.

He said this follows the company’s mission of giving back to the community, something he finds rewarding.

“It’s such a rewarding feeling to truly come to work and know that your job is to give back to the community. When you do the right thing good things happen to you and the business,” he said.

For their hours and more information about the program visit Richwood’s website here.