It should go without saying that the most influential people in society are those typically between the ages of eight to eighteen. The world around them is full of mystery. Similarly to toddlers, they will soak up information like a metaphorical sponge and when anything that they see or hear starts to appeal to them, they will want to replicate it. Unfortunately, this can lead to getting involved in gang affiliations, drug use, and more that can lead them down the wrong path. Dutch Bros Coffee as a company sees this and takes initiative to provide change in the world, taking action to raise money for organizations to keep the youth on the right path in life.

Dutch Bros as a company has three major giveback days, and on this occasion, it’s called Buck for Kids. During this all-day fundraiser, the stands across the country give back a dollar with every beverage purchased adding to the donations customers can provide. Dutch Bros Hanford stand has chosen to raise money for the Hanford Police Activities League (PAL) which provides a center to get at-risk youth involved in sports.

As a Dutch Bros employee, I am honored to work for a company that wants to see success in the future. In my viewpoint, this means that Dutch Bros is a company that cares. Companies that I have worked for in the past have not provided an effort as much as Dutch Bros has to change the narrative and be a part of something bigger than themselves. If I were asked the question of why you should work for a company like Dutch Bros, it is for this exact reason right here.

As a whole, the company is one big family. Whether you work in the birthplace of the company, Grant Pass, Oregon, or in a small town like Hanford, we all rise and fall with each other. When one of us is hurting we all hurt. Dutch Bros should be the leading example of how a company should be run; filled with people that care about people while providing a wide range of beverages and bringing customers up whether they have had a bad day or not. We are all a part of the same community and other companies should follow suit.

Don’t just take my word about this important giveback event though, this was my first time being a part of Buck for Kids. Around the Hanford stand, I asked my co-workers what it means for them to be a part of a company that takes this kind of initiative. Specifically, I asked what Buck for Kids means to each individual and how it feels to be a part of a company that takes time to help put youth on the right path.

Response from Zack Skaff, Regional Shop Manager (Hanford, Lemoore, Kingsburg):

“Buck 4 Kids is incredibly special, not only because it’s one of our three major giveback days but because we have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the youth in our community. I’ve been blessed to have experienced five Buck 4 Kids days and each year it becomes more and more special. My first three Buck 4 Kids days were at my original starting location where we had a much larger community, so it always felt we were making an impact still but coming to the Hanford/Lemoore/Kingsburg area, where the communities are much smaller, it felt so much more impactful! Knowing that we are making a difference one cup at a time and being a part of something bigger than ourselves feels so special. We have the ability to change the lives of the youth in our community for the better and make a lasting impact every year. Some of us don’t understand the struggles some kids in our community go through but we have the ability to lend a helping hand and better the future of not only the kids, but our community as well.”

As a 20-year-old that has been through three jobs previously, I have to appreciate the fact that not only I, but my fellow co-workers love to see how much upper management cares for the giveback to the community and how they want to see the shop workers succeed.

Response from Amanda Baker, Full-time Shift Lead, Hanford:

“Being able to be a part of a company who reaches out to its community is honestly such an honor to me. Dutch Bros really goes above and beyond what normal coffee shops do, and being able to be a part of that while giving back to the community is so amazing! There’s something really gratifying about pulling espresso shots and knowing every shot you pull is helping an underprivileged kid.”

Response from Sydney Rivas, Shift Lead, Hanford:

“You don’t see any other major companies like Starbucks doing active community work. It’s easy for million dollar companies to donate to charities that they favor but Dutch Bros donates to places that help people directly. It’s rare to see and I’m grateful to be a part of something that helps the people around me and more.”

Response from Agustin Perez, Shift Lead, Hanford:

“Being part of a community that is built around servicing others is rewarding in itself. Give back days offers an extension to, that makes working at Dutch Bros that much more rewarding. It means a lot to see a huge organization like Dutch Bros give back to the community they serve in different ways. It gives us baristas that much more gratitude to be part of an organization that cares so much for the community as much as they care about providing the best service and coffee every day.”

This year as a company which has stands in 11 states, Dutch Bros raised over $1.1 million dollars to provide help for struggling youth communities. If you, a friend, or a loved one are looking for employment that will help gain a sense of being something bigger than yourself and are looking to join a beautiful work family, Dutch Bros is the company to work for. So, next time you’re out looking for a new place to try and looking for a fun and exciting experience go to your local Dutch Bros and come say hi to all of us!