From left are volunteers Katie DeGaxiola, Ryan Rafferty, Naum Josan, Chris Harris and Stephanie Cotton. Courtesy photo

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - For seven years, Dutch Bros Coffee and Sunrise Christian Food Ministry in Citrus Heights have partnered in a coffee lovers’ community fundraiser every Valentine’s Day, otherwise known as Dutch Luv Day.

This year, owners of the six Citrus Heights Dutch Bros stores donated $1 for every drink purchased throughout the day on Feb. 14. Over the last seven years, the owners of these local franchises have donated $40,000 from this event.

April Jacek, director of the food closet, was pleased to announce that $9,500 this past Valentine’s Day was raised to help make life better for their clients.

“The donations we receive each year helps to feed over 30,000 families per year,” Jacek said.

On average, a $1 donation helps provide three meals. Each franchise owner chooses a charity to support.

Dutch Bros volunteers Ryan Rafferty and Stephanie Cotton help a food closet guest with her groceries. Courtesy photo

Through its Dutch Bros Foundation and local franchisees, the company annually donates several million dollars to charities across the country. Giving back to the communities being served is part of what Dutch Bros has always been, according to a team of volunteers from the Citrus Heights stores.

The Dutch Bros. volunteers arrived early at Sunrise Christian Food Ministry on Feb. 11 to work alongside Sunrise Christian Food Ministry volunteers, unpacking, sorting and loading groceries into guest’s vehicles. The Dutch Bros. volunteers also arrived on the following Tuesday, Feb. 18, ready to work.

The Dutch Bros. volunteers worked at the food ministry for a special project in 2023. They created a 20-by-25 concrete slab for a much-needed outdoor-covered nonperishable food and supply storage area and spent hours moving massive storage containers, removing large amounts of dirt and gravel, and leveling the area for the new cement.  

It is not common knowledge that reaching Sunrise Christian Food Ministry’s annual budget of $250,000 is dependent on grants and donations, according to Jacek.

“Dutch Bros’ annual fundraiser and support couldn't come at a more perfect time,” Jacek said. “February sits in between two grant cycles and what would normally be a time where we would have to cut back on spending, thanks to Dutch Luv Day, we can continue caring for our community without skipping a beat. What a blessing.”

According to Dutch Bros. team managers Ryan Rafferty and Naum Josan, Dutch Bros. pushes employees to give back and have fundraisers.

“Our owners are very present and influential, teaching us qualities we are open to, to learn how to do this work,” Rafferty and Josan said. “We’re very aware of the impact we make in the community through philanthropy and volunteer work. We want to give back and contribute and leave a legacy without self-recognition. It’s about the product, giving food and some simplicities of life that make living every day a little easier.”

Ryan Rafferty, Katie DeGaxiola and Stephanie Cotton volunteer at the Sunrise Christian Ministry food closet. Courtesy photo

Stephanie Cotton, also a team manager, agreed with them.

“It’s fun to work with the community and give back,” Cotton said. “Normally, we’re just serving coffee but now we get to serve food and smiles to people who need them.”

For more information on volunteering and making donations to help with food insecurity in the area, visit online www.sunrisechristianfoodministry.org.

Sunrise Christian Food Ministry’s distribution hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays starting at 11 a.m. for guests 60 and older, disabled and homeless, and at noon for those under 60. Distribution ends at 1:30 p.m. Food distribution is from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday nights.