A group of Fort Hays State students in the Leadership 310 class have partnered with Breathe Coffee House, 703 Main, for the Pay It Forward project.

The team consists of Hannah Haury, Denice Lastra Blanco, Quinn Munk, and Allison Muth.

“The whole purpose of this project is communication and making sure individuals become a part of something bigger than themselves by completing a small act of kindness” Muth said.

The project includes a total of six baskets entering the Hays community to promote communication and kindness. Two baskets were placed on the Fort Hays State University campus, one with a Fort Hays State University student organization, and three at different downtown businesses. The group has also successfully served free Breathe coffee for students on the Quad at Fort Hays State University to promote the initiative, and plan to have multiple other events on campus throughout the semester as well.

“We were excited to partner with Pat McGinnis to help create a fun and connected community,” Munk said.

Although the team is running a 16-week course, the ultimate goal is for the Hays community to continue this project and to launch their own as well.

“We envision for people from all aspects of the community to be inspired by this initiative and to pay it forward in their everyday lives, not just with our baskets,” Haury said.

Lastra Blanco said the project “is not only connecting the Hays community but is integrating multiple generations to become unified or supported.”

The Pay It Forward project opens up the opportunity for local businesses, schools, organizations and academic departments to become supportive of one another instead of competing. This project is more than just a basket, it is a reason to care for someone else.

For more information on the project, contact Breathe Coffee House at [email protected].

— Submitted