Ottery café owner ‘staggered’ by pay-it-forward donations

An East Devon café owner is "incredibly moved" by the number of donations to the pay-it-forward scheme she runs.

Louise Jones is the owner of The Coffee Bank in Ottery St. Mary, and six months ago she noticed that families and individuals were struggling to afford to buy drinks and food.

Under the pay-it-forward scheme, customers are able to buy food and drink for others, and the credits are displayed near the till. Visitors to the café are then able to ask staff if they can use a credit, which means they do not need to pay for a drink.

Louise said: "I started it because I wanted to do something to help the community in Ottery.

"When customers realised there were no questions asked and you could simply ask to use a credit, so many people started to use it. They lost that feeling of embarrassment and were so grateful. 

"Sometimes we use our initiative and give out the credits even though someone hasn't asked. We had a group with learning difficulties in the café recently and the group members had been given money for coffees, but the staff member with them had not.

"He said he couldn't afford to buy anything, so we gave him a coffee. He deserved it and it was just a little thank you for the work he was doing for others. 

"People have been so generous with the donations and we're so grateful."

The Coffee Bank has a children's play area and hosts regular events, such as book readings and classes. 

It is open 9am to 3pm Monday to Saturday (5pm on a Friday) and is located at 6 Silver Street, Ottery St. Mary.