A Brew-tiful Act of Kindness: Starbucks Workers Rally to Help Beloved Barista

In the heart of Huntington, West Virginia, at the Marshall University campus, an extraordinary tale of compassion and community spirit has emerged, all thanks to the kindness of a beloved Starbucks supervisor, Karen Collinsworth. For decades, Karen has been a shining beacon of warmth and friendliness at her local Starbucks, serving not just coffee but also support and love to students and faculty alike. When her beloved 2004 Kia began to struggle, her coworkers and an entire campus community decided to show their appreciation in the most heartwarming way possible.

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Karen's dedication to making people happy has made her an integral part of the lives of countless students, earning her the affectionate nickname "Starbucks mom." When her car woes escalated, her coworkers and friends couldn't stand idly by. They launched a GoFundMe campaign titled "We Love You Karen" to help her purchase a reliable car and alleviate her worries about monthly bills. The initial goal of $10,000 was surpassed within 24 hours, and the fundraiser eventually raised over $40,000.

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The outpouring of support came from students, faculty, and even Marshall University's president, Brad Smith, who contributed a generous $5,000 to the cause. While the large donations were meaningful, it was the countless $5 donations from college students that touched Karen's heart the most. The overwhelming response from the community left her both surprised and deeply grateful, affirming the immense love and kindness she had shown them throughout the years. Karen's story is a heartwarming reminder that when people come together with love and compassion, they can create a brighter and happier world for everyone involved.