Relief efforts are taking place nationwide to help local service industry communities make ends meet as the COVID-19 pandemic has all but decimated their livelihoods. These efforts, generally proffered by non-profit groups, have thus far been aimed at the entirety of service industry—bartenders, restaurant workers, and baristas—but a new spate of micro-efforts allow philanthropic individuals to donate directly to their favorite shop or even a specific barista. Venmo-driven, “virtual tip jars” let you provide direct support to those of your choosing from the safety and comfort of your own home.
To supplement our list of local service industry relief efforts, we’ve compiled an index of virtual tip jars from around the country. If you see a name you recognize, maybe consider tossing a few e-coins their way.
Does your cafe have a virtual tip jar that should be included here? Give us a shout!
Virtual tip jars by cafe:
Buunni Cafe, New York City: @Buunni-Coffee
Elixr Coffee, Philadelphia: @Elixr_Relief
Everyman Espresso, New York City: @EverymanEspresso
Square One Coffee, Lancaster/Philadelphia: @SQ1-Relief-Fund
Citywide lists of service industry workers that you can donate to directly:
Pittsburgh Service Industry Workers: Donate or sign up here.
St. Louis Service Industry Workers: List can be found here.
Washington, DC Service Industry Workers: List can be found here.
We’ll be updating this story with more virtual tip jars as they are brought to our attention.
Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge.